Rail passengers in Wiltshire trying to avoid single-figure fares have ended up paying hundreds of pounds in fines and court costs.

Swindon Magistrates Court has dealt with several cases involving defendants who travelled around the county on Great Western Railway trains without paying for tickets.

Kye Dicks, of Hazel Grove in Westbury, avoided paying for a £5.20 journey on April 14, 2024.

The 22-year-old has now been fined £440 and ordered to pay £5.20 in compensation as well as £180 in court costs plus £176 to fund victim services - £801.20 altogether.

Russell Stevens, of Sylvester Drive in Hilperton, tried to avoid paying a £7 ticket at Westbury between April 13 and 14, 2024.

The 38-year-old received a £440 and must also pay £7 compensation plus £180 in court costs and £176 to fund victim services - £803 in all.

Terry Earley, of Grenadier Close in Warminster, travelled by train at Westbury on April 9, 2024, without having a valid ticket that allowed him to use the public transport service.

The 38-year-old has been fined £220 and ordered to pay £5 in compensation as well as £180 in court costs plus £88 to fund victim services – which adds up to £493.

Alexander Elsey, of New Road in Marlborough, avoided a £10 fare at Westbury on April 12, 2024.

The 28-year-old must pay a £220 fine as well as £10 compensation plus £180 in court costs and £88 to fund victim services – a total of £498.

Jay Carter, of Corhampton Road in Bournemouth, travelled by train beyond the distance paid for and without previously paying the additional fare for the additional distance in Bradford-on-Avon on April 1, 2024.

The 21-year-old must pay £46.30 in compensation as well as a fine of £220 and £180 in court costs plus £88 to fund victim services - £534.30 altogether.

Isaac Coulibaly, of New Cross Road in London, entered a train at Swindon’s station on April 13, 2024, without having a valid ticket.

The 27-year-old must pay a fine of £220 as well as £46.80 compensation plus £180 in court costs plus £88 to fund victim services - £534.80 altogether.

Andre Gooden, of Kingshill Road in Swindon, dodged a fare of £80.10 on a train at Swindon’s station on February 27, 2024.

The 38-year-old now faces a bill totalling £548.10, which includes a £220 fine, £80.10 compensation, £160 of court costs, and £88 to go towards funding victim services.