A MAN told magistrates he was unaware of his prosecution for fare dodging – because he was serving time in prison.
John McDonagh, of Scott Vale in Sheepridge, appeared before Kirklees magistrates yesterday.
He had been accused of ignoring a summons to attend Dewsbury Magistrates’ Court in January.
The 22-year-old was convicted and fined in his absence for travelling on a train without paying.
But McDonagh said that he only found out about the case when he was released from prison this week.
He said that he was locked up when the offence was committed – and claimed that his brother was instead responsible.
McDonagh swore on oath that this information was correct and his case was dismissed.
