Greater Anglia may have to compensate nearly 6,000 customers after landmark Westminster Magistrates’ Court fare evasion ruling

Greater Anglia has revealed it could have to compensate nearly 6,000 customers after a landmark ruling relating to to alleged rail fare evasion.

It comes after the chief magistrate of England and Wales, Judge Goldspring, said the single justice procedure (SJP) should never have been used to fast track alleged offences.

UK rail companies have been using the procedure, which allows magistrates’ hearings to be held behind closed doors, the BBC reported.

It said as many as 74,000 prosecutions could now be quashed. Greater Anglia said the number of its customers affected was just under 6,000.

A Greater Anglia spokesperson said: “Following the hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court we are now working to ensure all those who are entitled to compensation as a result of this procedural error are quickly and fully reimbursed.

“Like many in the industry, we acted in good faith following the introduction of the single justice procedure in 2016, but we apologise for using this process incorrectly.”

Judge Goldspring declared six test cases void in his ruling.

It said a single magistrate ‘lacked jurisdiction’ to try purported fare dodging offences and that any fines paid should be refunded.

Potential refunds could reportedly take months, while the number of cases to be quashed has not yet been determined.