Photo/Courtesy
A bus driver has been fired after he chased and punched a man who stole a passenger’s necklace, sparking public outrage.
The incident happened on 25 June 2024 on the 206 bus route in north-west London. Mark Hehir, 62, a driver for Metroline, was on duty when a man grabbed a woman’s necklace as she boarded the bus and ran off.
Hehir ran after the thief, caught up with him, and returned the necklace to the passenger.
The thief later returned and attacked Hehir, throwing the first punch.
Hehir hit the man in self-defence, knocking him unconscious until police arrived. Both men were briefly arrested but later released without charges.
Despite his actions being widely praised, Metroline said Hehir breached company safety rules by leaving the bus with the engine running and confronting the suspect.
He was suspended and later dismissed. An employment tribunal upheld the dismissal.
The firing has led to a huge public backlash. A petition demanding Hehir’s reinstatement or compensation has gathered over 130,000 signatures.
The London Assembly also passed a motion calling on Mayor Sadiq Khan and Transport for London to apologise and provide clearer guidance for drivers in similar situations.
The passenger whose necklace was stolen said she felt guilty Hehir lost his job. Hehir has said he does not plan to return to Metroline but wants a formal apology and compensation.