A London bus driver who was dismissed from his job after pursuing a thief to recover a passenger's stolen necklace has disclosed that he deliberately kept the details of his employment tribunal case from his family back in Ireland.
Incident Leads to Dismissal
Mark Hehir, aged 62 and originally from Limerick but now residing in north-west London, was terminated by Metroline following an incident where he chased down a thief. The employment tribunal subsequently upheld the company's decision to sack him, a ruling that was first reported by the Press Association.
Public Outpouring of Support
In a remarkable show of solidarity, more than 125,000 individuals have signed a petition backing Mr Hehir. Additionally, a GoFundMe page established to support him has successfully raised over £28,000. Justice Secretary David Lammy has publicly endorsed Mr Hehir, describing him as "a hero and deserves our support".
Personal Impact and Family Secrecy
In an interview with PA this week, Mr Hehir expressed that the lengthy tribunal process has been a significant personal setback, stating it has "taken two years out of your life". He admitted to feeling "dumbfounded" by the verdict and is still grappling with the aftermath.
Hehir revealed that he chose not to inform his family in Ireland about the case, particularly his mother, to prevent them from worrying. "I didn't want to bring it on her, because I know she would worry," he explained. It was only recently that he contacted his sister, who then urged him to tell their mother as news of the case had gained international attention.
Family Reaction and Future Hopes
Upon learning the news, his mother expressed immense pride in his actions but also conveyed her disappointment that he had not confided in her sooner. Mr Hehir has stated that while he seeks an apology from Metroline and compensation for lost earnings, he does not wish to be reinstated in his former position.
The case highlights broader issues around employment rights and public perception of justice, as many view Hehir's actions as commendable rather than warranting dismissal.
