Fined for not paying tube fare, do i need a Visa to travel to USA?

Having been given conflicting advice i need some clarification. Two years ago i received a fine of 106 pounds for non payment of a train fare. I was not arrested by the police at the time, the matter went to court, i plead guilty by post and that was the end of the matter. Having contacted the US embassy i have been given conflicting advice, i was told that i need a Visa by one person and told that the conviction was a civil matter and that they (us authorities) were not interested in that kind of thing by another person. I also rang the Metropolitan Police who told me the conviction was a civil matter which would not show up on any criminal record. Since the fine, i have had three English CRB checks and one Scottish Disclosure check and the fine never shows up. So now i am totally confused, do i need to get a Visa?, does this count as moral turpitude as stated in the Visa Waiver forms? Can anyone please advice as planning a trip to New York soon.

I would say no, it is not moral turpitude. Well, it is and the fact that you feel so guilty about it proves that it is, but no from what you've said (and I am only going on that) I think the answer is that - no , this is the equivalent of a traffic ticket and will not be considered in your application for a visa.

Besides, it's only a matter if you are investigated. Ignore it and hope for the best. Even if you have no marks, you could (possibly) still be investigated, but probably will not be.

For travelling to the United States visa-waived for 90 days you must fill a previous application (ESTA) on the internet now. http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/ .. One of the questions asked is:
"Have you ever been arrested or convicted for an offense or crime involving moral turpitude or a violation related to controlled substance; or have you been arrested or convicted for two or more offenses for which the aggregate sentence to confinement was five years or more; or have you been a controlled substance trafficker; or are you seeking entry to engage in criminal or unmoral activities"?
What does that mean? The answer is also given on their website:
A crime involving moral turpitude is an offense that is inherently base, vile, or depraved and contrary to the accepted rules of society and the duties owed between persons or to society generally. Some examples of crimes involving moral turpitude include, but are not limited to, murder, rape, sexual offenses, crimes against children, prostitution, robbery, theft, fraud and crimes of violence.". .. http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/about_esta/esta_faq.ctt/esta_faq.pdf .. (see page 15). Now decide yourself whether you may apply for your 90 days visa-free travel or not.