London Bus Driver Dismissed After Confronting Thief Who Stole Passenger's Jewellery
A bus driver described as a hero by members of the public has been dismissed from his role after pursuing a thief who snatched a passenger's necklace during a journey through north-west London. Mark Hehir, who had been employed by Metroline for approximately two years, lost his job following an incident that occurred on June 25, 2024, while he was operating the 206 service between Wembley and Maida Vale.
Incident Details and Pursuit
According to evidence presented at an employment tribunal held in Watford, a man boarded the bus and pushed past a female passenger before seizing a necklace from around her neck and fleeing. Mr Hehir immediately gave chase down the street, successfully recovering the jewellery and returning it to the distressed woman. The driver stated that he had acted instinctively, leaving the bus with its doors open and handbrake engaged during the pursuit.
The situation escalated when the alleged thief returned to the bus location. The tribunal heard conflicting accounts about the man's intentions upon his return, with Mr Hehir maintaining that the female passenger appeared frightened and that the man threw the first punch. In response, Mr Hehir struck the man once in what he described as self-defence, rendering him unconscious. The driver then dragged the individual to the pavement and restrained him for nearly thirty minutes until authorities arrived.
Police Involvement and Disciplinary Proceedings
Both men were arrested following the altercation, but Mr Hehir was subsequently released without further police action. Detective Constable Waddington's case review note, presented during disciplinary proceedings, indicated that the force used by Mr Hehir was proportionate and necessary for defending himself and the passenger under the circumstances.
Despite this assessment, Metroline suspended Mr Hehir the day after the incident and initiated an internal investigation. The company brought two primary allegations against him: physically assaulting a passenger and thereby bringing the company into disrepute, and failing to protect safety by leaving the bus unattended with its engine running while chasing an assailant.
Conflicting Interpretations and Tribunal Outcome
During the disciplinary hearing, operations manager Alina Gioroc presented a contrasting interpretation of events. She suggested that the man might have returned to the bus intending to apologise and shake hands, and that Mr Hehir had pushed him away rather than stepping back himself. Ms Gioroc characterised the thirty-minute restraint as an excessive and disproportionate use of force.
Based on these conclusions, Ms Gioroc found each allegation substantiated and recommended dismissal without notice for gross misconduct. The employment tribunal ultimately upheld this decision, ruling that Metroline's genuine belief in Mr Hehir's gross misconduct was reasonable and fell within the band of acceptable employer responses given the circumstances.
This case highlights the complex balance between employee initiative in emergency situations and employer policies regarding conduct and safety protocols within the transport sector.
