A former HSBC executive traded the world of high finance for a calculated risk, attempting to evade nearly £6,000 in train fares. Joseph Molloy, 53, meticulously exploited a loophole in the ticketing system, a scheme prosecutors deemed surprisingly sophisticated.
Molloy’s method, known as “doughnutting,” involved purchasing tickets for the beginning and end of his commute – from central London to his £2 million home in Orpington, Kent – deliberately omitting the fares for the stations in between. He repeated this deception at least 740 times over a ten-month period.
The court heard Molloy didn’t simply rely on a single tactic. He acquired two smartcards under false names and addresses, further bolstering his scheme with Jobcentre Plus discounts, granting him a 50% reduction on fares. The details of his eventual capture remain undisclosed.
When confronted with the evidence, Molloy offered a full confession. His defense attorney, Will Hanson, revealed a period of intense personal hardship, citing health concerns and the recent loss of his mother as contributing factors to his actions.
Hanson argued the fraud was discreet, victimizing a large corporation rather than individuals, and causing no direct harm to the public. He emphasized Molloy’s inability to explain his own motivations, painting a picture of a man acting out of character during a difficult time.
Despite acknowledging Molloy’s “strong mitigation,” Recorder Alexander Stein recognized the gravity of the offense. He described Molloy as a financially secure individual who knowingly chose to commit a “persistent and serious” crime.
The judge handed down a 10-month suspended sentence, requiring Molloy to complete 80 hours of unpaid work. In addition to the suspended sentence, Molloy was banned from Southeastern railways for a year and ordered to pay £5,000 in compensation.
The case highlights the significant financial impact of fare evasion on rail companies, with losses estimated at a staggering £400 million annually. While Molloy’s actions were deliberate, they occurred against a backdrop of widespread financial strain on the railway network.
