Why was the bus driver Mark Hehir dismissed?

Mark Hehir was dismissed by Metroline after intervening in a necklace theft, recovering the item, and punching the suspect when he returned and threatened the passenger.

What was the outcome of the employment tribunal?

An employment tribunal upheld the company's decision to dismiss Mark Hehir, despite finding that he acted in self-defense during the incident.

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Bus Driver Fired After Heroic Jewel Theft Rescue

Q: What has been the public and political reaction to the driver's dismissal?

There has been significant public support for Mark Hehir, with a petition gaining over 125,000 signatures and politicians like David Lammy publicly calling him a hero.

4 Feb

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Summary

Driver was sacked after stopping a necklace thief.
Tribunal upheld dismissal despite self-defense finding.
Victim felt guilty and threatened, driver called hero.

Bus Driver Fired After Heroic Jewel Theft Rescue

A London bus driver, Mark Hehir, was dismissed by operator Metroline after intervening in a necklace theft on June 25, 2024. He chased and recovered the stolen jewelry for passenger Katalin Kaszas when a man snatched it as she boarded a bus. The situation escalated when the suspect returned, and Ms. Kaszas felt threatened. Mr. Hehir intervened, punching the man and restraining him until police arrived. Police confirmed Mr. Hehir acted in self-defense, but an employment tribunal upheld Metroline's decision to dismiss him.

Ms. Kaszas expressed distress and guilt over the driver's dismissal, stating he "didn't deserve" to lose his job and that she felt threatened during the incident. The case has garnered widespread public support, with a petition gaining over 125,000 signatures and a GoFundMe raising over £28,000. Politicians, including David Lammy, have publicly called Mr. Hehir a "hero."