Train Fare evasion - my story... as it happens!

[ANGRY]

A lot of stories here with only questions - so will put my story here with outcomes as and when they happen - so check back...
...Original Event - April 08...
Running late for train, didn't have time to buy ticket, just got on. At destination (Elephant & Castle - E&C) there were police + inspectors etc, stupidly panicked as I knew I had no ticket so turned back - don't know why as it's not as if I could've got another train elsewhere. Fully intended on paying for journey, but as I had turned back the Inspector was not listening to any excuses.
After about 15 mins explaining I didn't have time to buy ticket and him asking me over and over again 'was my intention to avoid payment?' my reply 'no, was to buy ticket here at E&C' + him threatening that them looking at past months cctv footage to see if I had always bought a ticket would cost me £1000's of pounds + with him phoning someone during our conversation saying 'to check past months cctv to see if I had been buying tickets on other days' + the longer I take up his time the more I would have to pay I just eventually said 'yes probably' to end the situation.
...June 08...
Received letter from southeastern confirming it was me - replied yes.
...July 08...
Received summons - said in 'Statement of Facts' I was unable to produce valid ticket (true) and had no means to pay (false - had cash + debit cards - was never asked this) and I had admitted my intention was to avoid payment (trueish - but only to shut inspector up). They were asking for £2.40 for fare + £100 costs.
Pleaded guilty so I wouldn't have to attend court - got impression attending would increase fine + would cost me in time and lost work etc for that day. In mitigating circumstances I outlined I did have means to pay - ability to pay was never mentioned - so this fare evasion was not premeditated. Plus, I enclosed a photocopy of another ticket outlining it costs £2.00 for that journey and not £2.40 as stated by southeastern - they should surely know how much they charge. (thought this mistake by them on a legal document would somehow make this case void - hmmm was not to be).
...Now...
Was waiting for fine to drop through letterbox to end whole thing... Have just received a 'Notice of new hearing date' for September 24th - Reason says = 'For you to attend to be sentenced'.
Am really worried now, I pleaded guilty, was willing to just pay fine. I have to attend, why? Is this normal at this stage????? (Please someone answer this one question) If not, are they gonna go for the maximum fine possible now as i disputed how much was asked for fare? Guess I'll get a criminal record, bit harsh for a first offence, I have learnt my lesson - not as if it's to make an example to others as I'm not exactly going to tell anyone about it. I buy monthly tickets now, I didn't need to then as I was mostly working from home, only commuting a few odd days a week - so bought daily tickets.
...Will let you all know outcome after September...

[Guest]

Take soap on a rope and toothbrush - looks like you are going to get some free bed and breakfast courtesy of HM prison