Former Tottenham Defender Sebastien Bassong Fined for Dodging £7 Tube Fare
Sebastien Bassong, the former Tottenham Hotspur defender known for his time in the Premier League with clubs like Spurs, Newcastle, and Norwich, has recently made headlines for an unfortunate incident off the pitch. The 40-year-old Frenchman was fined for dodging a £7 Tube fare after being caught using someone else’s train driver pass illegally.
The Incident at St Paul’s Station
In May, Bassong was apprehended by a Transport for London (TfL) officer at St Paul’s Underground station. The officer noticed him tailgating a friend through the ticket barriers — a method often used to bypass paying the fare. Bassong was carrying an Oyster card that did not belong to him.
According to court documents, the Oyster card in question had been issued to the ex-girlfriend of the friend Bassong was with. She was a driver on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). The usage of this card by Bassong was both unauthorized and illegal, as it was meant solely for the cardholder.
Reason Behind the Fare Dodging
During the incident, Bassong reportedly explained that he was experiencing financial and personal hardships. This stemmed from a recent divorce and struggles with unemployment.
While these circumstances may evoke some sympathy, it does not excuse the illegal use of another person’s travelcard and the evasion of the required fare.
Court Proceedings and Penalties
Sebastien Bassong appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on October 30. Interestingly, he did not enter a plea to the charge, and the case was dealt with behind closed doors in a Single Justice Procedure hearing.
Magistrate Graham Burbage ruled that:
- Bassong had to pay the £7 fare he evaded for the journey from Arnos Grove to St Paul’s.
- He was fined £220.
- He was also ordered to pay £250 in prosecution costs.
- A further £88 victim surcharge was imposed.
This combined fine serves as a formal punishment for using the rail network without holding a valid ticket.
Testimony from TfL Revenue Officer
Adebukola Anifowose, a TfL revenue control officer, provided a key statement during the hearing. She revealed that at 1:08 pm on the day of the incident, she saw Bassong “pretend to tap an Oystercard enclosed in a white wallet before tailgating through the wide-aisle gate behind another male.”
Her statement helped confirm the deliberate nature of the fare evasion.
Sebastien Bassong’s Football Career in Brief
For those unfamiliar with Sebastien Bassong, he was an £8 million signing for Tottenham Hotspur in 2009. Throughout his career, he was known as a solid defender, contributing to top Premier League sides such as Spurs, Newcastle United, and Norwich City. Despite the recent legal troubles, his football legacy remains notable in English football circles.
The Importance of Paying Your Fare
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of following fare rules on public transport. TfL continues to monitor stations through staff and surveillance to prevent fare evasion. Using someone else’s travelpass, especially when it’s a personal employee pass, carries significant legal risks.
Final Thoughts
While Sebastien Bassong’s recent legal issues are unfortunate, they highlight broader social challenges that some individuals face, such as financial hardship and unemployment. However, fare evasion is a serious offence, and this case demonstrates that authorities will take appropriate action regardless of background.
For fans of Bassong, it is a stark reminder that even former top-flight football stars must adhere to everyday laws and regulations.
In summary, former Tottenham Hotspur defender Sebastien Bassong was fined after illegally using someone else’s train driver pass to evade a £7 Tube fare at St Paul’s station. The court ruling included fines and prosecution costs, emphasizing TfL’s commitment to tackling fare evasion.
