A London bus driver lost his job after intervening when a thief snatched a necklace from a passenger. Mark Hehir, a two-year Metroline employee, was driving his route between Wembley and Maida Vale when the incident unfolded in June.
Without hesitation, Hehir pursued the fleeing thief, successfully recovering the stolen necklace and returning it to the shaken woman. He left the bus engine running during the chase, a decision that would ultimately cost him his livelihood.
The thief, however, unexpectedly returned to the bus. Witnesses stated he immediately threw a punch at Hehir, initiating a physical confrontation. Hehir responded in self-defense, delivering a single blow that rendered the man unconscious.
For nearly half an hour, Hehir maintained control of the situation, restraining the assailant until authorities arrived. While both men were initially arrested, Hehir was quickly released with no further action taken against him.
The following day brought a suspension and a formal investigation. Hehir was accused of discrediting the company through physical assault and endangering passengers by leaving the unattended bus running.
Hehir defended his actions, explaining he reacted instinctively and had secured the bus with the handbrake engaged. A police report corroborated his account, stating the force used was proportionate and necessary for self-defense and the protection of the passenger.
Hehir testified that the female passenger was visibly frightened when the thief reappeared, prompting his continued restraint of the man. He believed it crucial to prevent further harm.
The disciplinary hearing questioned the thief’s intent upon returning, suggesting he may have been attempting to apologize. An operations manager, Alina Gioroc, stated she believed the man intended to shake hands with both the passenger and Hehir.
Gioroc’s testimony focused on Hehir’s reaction, claiming he pushed the man away instead of stepping back, escalating the situation. She also deemed the half-hour restraint an excessive use of force.
Ultimately, Gioroc concluded Hehir was guilty of gross misconduct, leading to his dismissal without notice. A tribunal later upheld this decision, stating the company’s belief in his misconduct was reasonable given the circumstances.
Despite public perception of Hehir as a hero, the tribunal sided with the employer, emphasizing the importance of adhering to company policy even in extraordinary situations.
