A student told today how she gained a criminal record because she did not have 90p on her Oyster card.

Ashley Williams boarded a bendy bus without realising her pre- pay card did not have enough money on it for the fare.

But before she could get off to buy a ticket, the doors shut and she was carried to the next stop where inspectors boarded.

Despite the bus driver appealing on her behalf, the inspectors refused to believe her explanation.

When Ms Williams, 20, rang Transport For London to complain, she was told she would be taken to court.

Stratford magistrates fined her £120 and ordered her to pay costs after finding her guilty of not having a valid ticket while travelling on the No 38 bus from Hackney to her home in Stoke Newington last September.

Ms Williams, who is studying fashion at the University of East London, said: "I'm really upset and angry - it was not intentional. They took the stance that I was a fare dodger. They would not even believe my details."

Her court case took place during her first-year exams.

Her mother, Anne Williams, a college lecturer, said: "She has never before even had her name taken, let alone been given a penalty fare.

"Getting a criminal record for an innocent mistake - and a first offence - is ridiculous and unjust.

"It will have an effect on her future job applications as she will always have to declare it and it is such a competitive job market. It is just ridiculous for someone who has no record of ever trying to dodge fares. It is just wrong."

Mrs Williams added: "They should stop that application of the law right now.

"They say they have a revenue problem on bendy buses but that is a problem of their own making - you can't check how much money you have on your Oyster card before you get on. This is a way of them getting the money back in any way they can."

Mrs Williams called for people given a criminal record for a first offence to have their sentences reviewed.

Inspectors have the power to decide whether an individual is taken to court, given a fine, or, as in many cases, simply let off.

TfL admitted today that in most cases those caught without a valid ticket were issued with a £20 penalty fare and not prosecuted.

A spokesman defended the action of its inspectors but refused to explain why Ms Williams was taken to court in spite of numerous letters and phone calls from the student and her mother explaining the situation.

The spokesman said: "Revenue protection inspectors make difficult judgement calls in challenging situations based on training and experience."

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