The dismissal of a bus driver for assaulting a thief who had stolen a necklace from a female passenger has been deemed “shameful and unjust” by shadow justice minister Kieran Mullan, who has initiated a petition for his reinstatement.
Mark Hehir testified at a tribunal that he acted in self-defense while operating the 206 bus for Metroline, which connects Wembley and Maida Vale in north-west London, during an incident in June 2024.
During the proceedings, Metroline contended that Hehir’s response was “excessive,” given that the thief, captured on CCTV, was the first to throw a punch before being rendered unconscious.
Mullan remarked, “As an MP, I cannot dictate how a company should act, but with the backing of the public, we can pressure them into making the right decision.”
He continued, “Mark’s bravery ensured his passenger’s safety and corrected an injustice.
“Sign this petition if you believe Mark’s termination was both shameful and unjust, and that Metroline should reinstate or compensate him. Surprisingly, one of their concerns was that the robber was considered a ‘customer.'”
Both Hehir and the thief were taken into custody, but Hehir was released shortly after and informed he would not face any further action from the police.
Following the event on June 25, 2024, Hehir was suspended and instructed to participate in an investigation.
At the subsequent disciplinary hearing, he faced allegations that included “bringing the company into disrepute through physical assault on a passenger” and “failing to ensure the safety of himself and his passengers by leaving the bus unattended with the engine running while pursuing the assailant.”
Hehir defended himself by explaining, “I instinctively ran after the man,” and emphasized that he had left the bus doors open with the handbrake engaged.
Evidence presented at the hearing included a note from a detective stating that Hehir’s use of force was “proportionate and necessary under the circumstances to defend himself and the female passenger.”
The petition asserted: “Responding swiftly to assist individuals in situations like this is challenging, and even trained professionals can err.
“However, those who act rightly for the correct reasons when many others turn a blind eye deserve our support, not punitive measures enforced upon them.”
