Train fare evader with 112 convictions for unpaid train tickets could face jail time

One of Britain's most prolific train fare dodgers could face jail time for 112 unpaid tickets, a judge has said. 

Charles Brohiri, 29, pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday to 76 charges of failing to purchase a rail ticket after previously being convicted in absentia of 36 charges in August last year.

He admitted not paying fares of approximately £3,266 for Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) journeys between February 2024 and November 2025, and is also accused of failing to pay fines worth £48,682 from separate prosecutions brought between August 2019 and April 2025.

Brohiri, from Hatfield, Hertfordshire, is also accused of dodging GTR fares in December and January, the most recent instance alleged to have taken place just three days ago.

The charges relate to unpaid fares on journeys from London to Brighton, and on Thameslink lines in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

Judge Nina Tempia said Brohiri could now "face a custodial sentence because of the number of offences he has committed" and, according to court documents, be ordered to pay back all unpaid fines as well as court fees totalling more than £15,000.

The court heard that Brohiri had continued to dodge fares even after being banned from entering Thameslink stations as part of his bail conditions last April. A further bail condition in August banned Brohiri from getting on to Thameslink trains.

Brohiri's bid to have his 36 convictions from last year overturned on a legal technicality was dismissed by Judge Tempia on Thursday.

He claimed the charges were unlawful because they had not been brought by a qualified legal professional.

Judge Tempia, however, insisted "there has been no abuse of the court process".

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A GTR spokesperson said: "We welcome the court's decision to uphold the earlier findings of guilt on 36 offences and we note that, following the 76 guilty pleas he entered today [Thursday], he now stands convicted of 112 fare evasion offences.

"Through the careful use of prosecutions, targeted ticket checks, focused action at known hotspots, and better reporting tools for staff, ticketless travel on our network is at its lowest level since 2022."

Brohiri has been granted bail, with sentencing adjourned until 11 February.

(c) Sky News 2026: Train fare evader with 112 convictions for unpaid train tickets could face jail time