A Bolton woman has been penalised for failing to produce a valid rail ticket for inspection.

Helen Tierney was travelling between Chapeltown and Sheffield in October last year.

She was asked to provide proof of payment for the journey and declined to do so.

Tierney claimed the bank card was not working but was then told at Chapeltown there are ticket purchasing facilities that were working.

She was later given a penalty of £20, but failed to pay this within 21 days.

A further reminder letter was sent after this but no response was received.

The fare she declined to pay was £4.30.

The case against Tierney, 53, was proven at the Doncaster Justice Centre this month.

Tierney, of Litherland Road, Bolton, was fined £220, ordered to pay compensation of the £4.30 fare and ordered to pay further costs of £238.

In total, the decision not to pay £4.30 for the bus fare cost her £462.30.