Bus Driver Sacked After Defending Passenger During Necklace Theft Incident
A former London bus driver has revealed how he intervened to protect a distressed passenger during a necklace theft, only to be dismissed from his job and have that decision upheld by an employment tribunal. Mark Hehir, who worked for Metroline, described the incident where he chased down a thief, recovered stolen jewellery, and then physically defended the victim when the perpetrator returned.
Confrontation on a London Bus Route
The incident occurred on a route from Wembley Paddocks to Kilburn in north-west London. According to Mr Hehir's account, a man boarded the bus near Harlesden High Street, snatched a necklace from a female passenger's neck, and fled. "I'm not letting this guy get away," Mr Hehir told LBC, explaining his immediate reaction to what he described as opportunistic crime that too often goes unchallenged on public transport.
He pursued the thief approximately 200 metres, engaged in what he called "a bit of a scuffle," and successfully retrieved the necklace. Upon returning to the bus, he handed the jewellery back to the visibly distressed passenger. Security footage then captured the thief returning to the scene, prompting Mr Hehir to position himself between the criminal and the nervous woman.
Physical Altercation and Aftermath
Mr Hehir stated that when the thief attempted to throw a punch, he responded with a single counter-punch that rendered the assailant unconscious. He then restrained the individual for nearly thirty minutes until police arrived. Both men were initially arrested, though Mr Hehir was subsequently released without charge.
A police case review later concluded that Mr Hehir had used proportionate and necessary force in defence of himself and the passenger. Despite this assessment, Metroline terminated his employment for gross misconduct, citing breaches of safety protocols designed to protect staff and passengers.
Tribunal Decision and Political Response
An employment tribunal in Watford recently published its findings, upholding Metroline's decision to dismiss Mr Hehir. The tribunal acknowledged the driver's actions but maintained that he had violated company procedures.
Shadow justice minister Dr Kieran Mullan has since launched an online petition calling for Mr Hehir's reinstatement or compensation. "This is not justice," Dr Mullan stated. "Mark Hehir stepped in to protect a passenger and recover her stolen property and for doing the right thing and putting himself in harm's way, he lost his job. That is plainly wrong."
The MP expressed concern that the tribunal's decision sends a troubling message about supporting those who intervene during criminal incidents, potentially discouraging others from acting in similar situations.
Current Situation and Public Support
Mr Hehir now works as a barman at a friend's establishment in Wembley. A GoFundMe campaign established to support him has raised over £800, reflecting public sympathy for his predicament.
A Metroline spokesperson reiterated the company's position following the tribunal ruling: "The tribunal has upheld the dismissal as fair. The claimant breached protocols designed to keep staff and passengers safe, which is our priority."
The case highlights ongoing debates about:
- The responsibilities of transport staff during criminal incidents
- The balance between protocol adherence and instinctive protective actions
- Public expectations regarding intervention against antisocial behaviour
- Employment rights in situations involving reasonable force
As public transport users increasingly report concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour, this case raises significant questions about how transport operators and the legal system respond when employees take direct action to protect passengers.
