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Charles Brohiri, aged 29, stands accused of one of the most extensive cases of rail fare evasion in Britain, having admitted to traveling on Govia Thameslink train services without purchasing tickets on 112 occasions. During proceedings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, it was revealed that Brohiri may face a prison sentence due to the sheer volume of offenses committed. The financial consequences he could encounter include paying over £18,000 to cover unpaid fares and legal costs.
Residing in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, Brohiri appeared dressed in black as he pleaded guilty to 76 of the offenses on Thursday. The court session lasted roughly 20 minutes, during which each charge was formally presented, and Brohiri responded quietly with repeated admissions of guilt. These new pleas followed an earlier hearing where Brohiri had been convicted in absentia on 36 charges. A request from his legal team to quash these prior convictions was rejected by District Judge Nina Tempia, who found no fault in the prosecutions despite claims they were initiated by a lay prosecutor rather than a qualified legal professional.
Judge Tempia explained in her written justification that the involvement of a lay prosecutor was lawful and reflected a widespread practice across the industry. She stated, “a lay prosecutor can commence proceedings,” acknowledging that non-authorized employees have long been used to bring such cases. Govia Thameslink Railway expressed approval of the decision to uphold the earlier convictions against Brohiri, reinforcing the legitimacy of their legal approach.
The charges against Brohiri cover incidents occurring between February 2024 and November 2025, involving journeys mainly along routes connecting London, Brighton, and parts of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire serviced by Thameslink lines. Additionally, evidence was presented indicating Brohiri continued evading fares into late November and December of the previous year, as well as in January, with the most recent offense cited as taking place on 12 January. He had been previously released on bail with strict conditions barring him from boarding or attempting to access any trains managed by Govia Thameslink. Furthermore, Brohiri faces unresolved fines amounting to £48,682 from separate cases dating back to August 2019, adding to the serious legal challenges ahead of his sentencing scheduled for 11 February
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