A bus driver who was terminated for striking a thief who stole a necklace from a female passenger has stated he has no desire to return to his job, but he seeks an apology and reimbursement for lost wages.

Sixty-two-year-old Mark Hehir was operating the 206 bus route from Wembley to Maida Vale in north-west London in June 2024 when the incident occurred.

Metroline informed a tribunal that Hehir’s response was deemed “excessive” after the assailant, captured on CCTV delivering the first blow, was knocked out.

Over 100,000 supporters have signed a petition advocating for Hehir’s reinstatement, after a tribunal upheld his dismissal in November.

Hehir expressed, “I would feel greatly satisfied if Metroline offered an apology and acknowledged they may have misjudged the situation. I would appreciate compensation for my lost wages as well; it’s crucial that they recognize their mistake.”

Both individuals were apprehended, but Hehir was later released without any further police action.

The day following the incident on June 25, 2024, he was suspended and asked to participate in an investigation.

The campaign for his reinstatement was initiated by Dr. Kieran Mullan, the shadow justice minister, who labeled the dismissal as “shameful and unjust.”

Originally from Limerick, Ireland, Hehir remarked that the public’s support has been “remarkable” since the tribunal backed Metroline’s decision.

When asked if he would consider returning to his position, Hehir responded, “Absolutely not. You can’t be part of a company that treats its employees in such a manner.”

He clarified, “I’m not saying that they mistreat drivers, but in any situation, it always seems to fall on the driver’s shoulders, and the consequences can be severe.”

“It’s a solitary experience—if you find yourself in a predicament, you’re left to handle it alone,” he added.

Describing bus driving as “an underappreciated and challenging profession,” Hehir noted the overwhelming public support online, but he doesn’t see himself as a “hero.”

“I’ve always believed my actions were justified, and it appears that 99.5% of people agree with me,” he stated. “I actively seek negative feedback, but I’m unable to find any; the messages of support are countless.”

A crowdfunding effort for Hehir has amassed over £26,000.

He shared that he spent six days in the hospital after the incident due to complications from an infection caused by the thief’s tooth.

“I ended up in ICU and required two surgeries on my hand because of the infection. The surgeon told me I was very close to losing my hand within the next few days if it hadn’t been treated promptly,” he recounted.

Additional political figures, including shadow transport minister Richard Holden and Susan Hall, leader of the Conservative group on the London Assembly, have approached Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan, urging him to give “serious consideration” to either reinstating Hehir or providing suitable compensation.

A Metroline representative commented, “The tribunal has affirmed that the dismissal was justified.”