Soccer ticket 'blocked Oyster card'

A passenger is being taken to court accused of trying to evade a 90p Oyster card fare on a bendy bus.

Lee McCarthy branded Transport for London's decision to prosecute "ridiculous". The case is set to cost taxpayers more than £5,000.

Mr McCarthy, 30, of Kensal Rise, had more than £10 on his pre-pay Oyster card as he got on the No 18 in Harrow Road in January. He said he swiped the card and was unaware it had not scanned properly.

He believes the card was "blocked" from scanning by his Arsenal smartcard season ticket, which was in the same wallet.

When, in front of inspectors, he removed the season ticket, the Oyster card successfully deducted the fare, he said.

He must appear at Wimbledon magistrates court in August.

"I am a law-abiding citizen, not a fare dodger. It's a joke," he said.