London - Cherie Blair's second day as a crown court recorder started on the right track yesterday as she arrived at Luton railway station, ticket in hand.
Mrs Blair, who was fined £10 yesterday after she failed to buy a ticket for the journey from Blackfriars in London to Luton, displayed her ticket proudly. Mrs Blair admitted that she was embarrassed about the fine, which came as she was dashing to get to court to preside over her first criminal trial. Downing Street had made light of the mishap, with the Prime Minister's spokesman saying: "She is an upstanding citizen. These things happen."
He claimed that when Mrs Blair was dropped at Blackfriars station she could not find a ticket office open, although the train company insisted facilities for payment by credit card were available. At the Luton ticket barrier Mrs Blair immediately paid the fare, plus penalty, with her credit card.