A London Bus Driver's Heroic Act Leads to Unforeseen Consequences
In a remarkable yet controversial incident, a London bus driver, Mark Hehir, found himself at the center of a storm after a daring act of bravery. Hehir, who had been working as a bus driver for Metroline for approximately two years, became a 'hero' to many when he chased down and subdued a man who had stolen a passenger's necklace. However, this heroic deed came with a price, as it led to his dismissal from his job.
On June 25, 2024, Mr. Hehir was driving the 206 bus, which operates between Wembley and Maida Vale in northwest London. During his shift, a man boarded the bus, pushing past a female passenger and stealing the necklace from her neck. Without hesitation, Hehir pursued the thief down the street, successfully retrieving the necklace and returning it to its rightful owner.
The situation took a turn when the thief returned to the bus, walking towards Hehir and throwing the first punch. In self-defense, Hehir hit the man once, causing him to fall unconscious. The tribunal was informed that Hehir then restrained the man on the pavement for nearly half an hour.
Despite the initial commotion, both men were arrested. However, Hehir was later released, informed that he would not face further police action. The day after the incident, Hehir was suspended from his duties and summoned for an investigation.
During a disciplinary hearing, Hehir was confronted with allegations of bringing the company into disrepute by physically assaulting a passenger and failing to protect his and his passengers' safety. Hehir argued that his actions were instinctive and that he had left the bus doors open and the handbrake on. The hearing was presented with an email from Detective Constable Waddington, who supported Hehir's claim that his use of force was proportionate and necessary.
However, the hearing also heard a different perspective. Alina Gioroc, an operations manager, testified that the man had intended to shake hands and apologize to the female passenger. She stated that Hehir pushed the man away instead of stepping aside and that the man had not been aggressive until that moment. Gioroc deemed the prolonged restraint of the man as excessive and disproportionate.
As a result, the tribunal upheld Hehir's dismissal, concluding that his actions constituted gross misconduct. The tribunal agreed with the disciplinary and appeal managers' belief that Hehir's conduct was guilty of gross misconduct, finding reasonable grounds for the employer's response.
