AN ATTEMPT to take a free ride on the railway for a Basingstoke woman backfired after she was landed with a fine more than ten times the original amount.

Jessica Sims, of Milton Close, Popley, attempted to dodge a £46.50 Great Western Railway fare in Swindon on May 20.

Appearing before Swindon Magistrates' Court on November 12, the case against her was proved in her absence.

The 30-year-old was fined £220, ordered to pay compensation of £46.50, costs of £180 and a victim services surcharge of £34.

It means a total outlay of £480.50, which will need to be paid by December 10.