A MAN who said his life was turned upside down by a head injury fare-dodged a train route numerous times to see his children.

Mark Anthony Jose, of Yarm Road, Darlington, was convicted yesterday of not paying the £2.60 fare from North Road station and Newton Aycliffe station 12 times between September last year and January this year.

Jose, 37, who is well-known to staff at both stations, also walked to Newton Aycliffe - where his children live - along the tracks when he was thrown off the train. As a result, he was also convicted for trespassing on railway property. He admitted all offences.

Wayne Earnshaw, prosecuting for Northern Rail, said: "The first offence took place on September 16. Mr Jose did not pay his fair and so an unpaid fare notice was sent to his address, but no payment was received. He was given a fixed penalty notice but didn't respond."

Mr Earnshaw, speaking at Darlington Magistrates' Court, said this action was carried out each time Jose failed to pay.

The defendant, who pleaded guilty to the offences, was represented by Leanne Steinberg. She said he was a very forgetful person because of a head injury he suffered a few years ago, and was on a low income so could not always afford to pay the fares.

She said: "Until two years ago he was a healthy young man, employed as a bricklayer. He suffered an accident and fractured his skull, for which he was in a coma for three weeks.

"His relationship broke down, and he says that since that time his life has crumbled, and he has difficulty seeing his four children."

She added: "He has mental health problems and has a terrible memory. He is suffering from severe depression and stress. He has asked his doctor tosection him, but his doctor has refused. He says he isn't getting any help, and he hopes to move away to the Lake District to rebuild his life.

"He didn't think through his actions."

Magistrates gave Jose a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered him to pay £50 in court costs and £36.60 in compensation to Northern Rail.

The head of the magistrates' bench, Tom Marley, said: "The court has been as lenient as possible. It's only because of the circumstances that you have been dealt with in this way. Mr Earnshaw asked for a lotmore than what you have to pay."