A passenger who had her necklace stolen during a London bus journey has spoken out in defence of the bus driver who retrieved it, stating he "didn't deserve" to be sacked for his actions. The incident has sparked significant public outcry and political attention, with Justice Secretary David Lammy declaring the driver a "hero" who deserves support.
Passenger Expresses Guilt Over Driver's Dismissal
Katalin Kaszas, 46, was travelling on the 206 bus route between Wembley and Maida Vale in north-west London on June 25, 2024, when a man pushed past her and snatched a necklace from around her neck before fleeing. The bus driver, Mark Hehir, 62, immediately pursued the thief down the street, successfully recovering the jewellery and returning it to Ms Kaszas.
Ms Kaszas told the Press Association she felt "so guilty" upon learning that Mr Hehir had subsequently lost his job with Metroline after confronting the thief. "I think it was unjust. I don't think he deserved that," she said. "If he doesn't do what he did, anything could have happened to me."
Employment Tribunal Upholds Dismissal Decision
Metroline dismissed Mr Hehir following the incident, a decision that was recently upheld by an employment tribunal. According to tribunal details, after Mr Hehir returned the necklace, the thief reappeared and approached the bus, throwing "the first punch" at the driver. Mr Hehir responded in self-defence, hitting the man once and knocking him unconscious before restraining him on the pavement for approximately half an hour until police arrived.
A police case review concluded that "the claimant had used force which was proportionate and necessary in the circumstances in the defence of himself and the female passenger." Both men were initially arrested, but Mr Hehir was released and informed he would face no further police action.
A Metroline spokesperson stated: "The tribunal has upheld the dismissal as fair."
Political and Public Support Grows
The case has attracted considerable political attention. Justice Secretary David Lammy addressed the House of Commons on Tuesday, stating: "I'm following this case very closely. Mark is of course a hero and deserves our support."
Earlier that day, Mr Hehir, who is originally from Limerick, Ireland, but now resides in north-west London, was invited into Parliament by shadow justice minister Kieran Mullan. Mr Mullan commented: "I think Metroline need to come out and apologise. Mark deserves an apology. It's quite clear they've gotten this wrong."
Widespread Backing Through Petitions and Fundraising
Public support for the former bus driver has been substantial. More than 125,000 people have signed a petition backing Mr Hehir, launched after the employment tribunal's ruling was first reported. Additionally, a GoFundMe page established to support him has raised over £28,000, demonstrating significant grassroots sympathy for his situation.
The case raises important questions about the boundaries of employee conduct, duty of care, and the appropriate response to criminal acts in public service roles. With high-profile political figures now involved and continued public pressure, the controversy surrounding Mr Hehir's dismissal shows no signs of abating.
