Compared with fines imposed on companies for copyright infringements, the £2m Thames Trains has to pay out for health and safety offences is small change.

But it is a step in the right direction. Cutting corners at the cost of public safety will no longer be tolerated - and rightly so.

The Oxford Mail is proud that we were instrumental in pressing the Government to introduce new laws on corporate killing after the horrendous Paddington crash four-and-a-half years ago.

The families of the dead and those injured will be able to lodge civil claims against the company. But no amount of money can make up for 31 lives needlessly cut short.

But if it serves as a warning to others, then that is some consolation.