In a dramatic turn of events, a London bus driver, hailed as a hero, was sacked after intercepting a thief who snatched a necklace from a passenger on his bus. Mark Hehir, who had been at the wheel for Metroline for two years, sprung into action when the crime unfolded on the 206 route, between Wembley and Maida Vale.
On that fateful day, a man barged onto the bus, ripping a necklace from a woman’s neck before making a run for it. Not one to stand by, Mr Hehir gave chase, retrieving the stolen jewellery and returning it to the grateful passenger. The situation escalated when the assailant returned, throwing punches at Mr Hehir. In self-defence, Hehir responded, knocking the man out and restraining him until the police arrived.
Despite the police concluding that Mr Hehir acted appropriately, Metroline disagreed. Claiming his actions constituted gross misconduct, including jeopardising safety by leaving the bus unattended with the engine running, he was suspended the following day. At a disciplinary hearing, Mr Hehir’s defence was that his actions were instinctive. However, Metroline argued otherwise, believing he used excessive force and dishonoured the company’s reputation.
Alina Gioroc, overseeing the hearing, concluded Mr Hehir overstepped, stating the thief intended to return to apologise—an account Mr Hehir disputes, asserting he acted out of fear for everyone’s safety. Despite public support painting him as a hero, Mr Hehir faced dismissal, a decision upheld at a tribunal in Watford. The tribunal reasoned that the company’s decision was justified and reasonable under the circumstances.
This saga of bravery, conflict, and consequence is certainly a talking point. What do you think? Was this bus driver’s swift action warranted, or did he cross the line? Share your thoughts below!