A prolific train fare evader with an astonishing 112 convictions for dodging rail tickets has been told he could face a prison sentence and must pay back more than £15,000.
Serial Offender Admits Guilt
Charles Brohiri, a 29-year-old from Hatfield in Hertfordshire, entered guilty pleas at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday 15 January 2026. He admitted to 76 separate charges of failing to purchase a valid rail ticket. This comes on top of 36 previous convictions from August last year, which were secured in his absence.
The court heard that Brohiri's fare evasion spanned nearly two years, from February 2024 to November 2025, primarily on Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) services. He failed to pay fares totalling approximately £3,266 for journeys between London and Brighton, as well as on Thameslink lines in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
Ignoring Court Orders and Mounting Debts
Despite escalating legal action, Brohiri continued his ticketless travel. He was already subject to separate prosecutions between August 2019 and April 2025, resulting in unpaid fines worth a staggering £48,682. In a brazen disregard for court orders, he allegedly dodged fares again in December and January, with the most recent incident said to have occurred just three days before his court appearance.
Judge Nina Tempia highlighted the severity of his repeated offending. She stated Brohiri could now "face a custodial sentence because of the number of offences he has committed". Furthermore, court documents indicate he will be ordered to repay all unpaid fines plus court fees, with the total exceeding £15,000.
Legal Challenge Dismissed
Brohiri had attempted to have his 36 earlier convictions overturned on a legal technicality, arguing the charges were unlawful as they were not brought by a qualified legal professional. Judge Tempia dismissed this application on Thursday, insisting "there has been no abuse of the court process".
A spokesperson for GTR welcomed the court's decision, noting that ticketless travel on their network is now at its lowest level since 2022 due to targeted action. Charles Brohiri has been granted bail, with his sentencing adjourned until 11 February.
