A bus driver dismissed from his position after pursuing a thief to retrieve a passenger's stolen necklace is now demanding a formal apology from his former employer. Mark Hehir, 62, stated he would be "very happy" if Metroline issued an apology, though he has no intention of returning to his job.
Public Outcry and Political Support
The case has sparked significant public and political backlash, with over 100,000 people signing a petition calling for Mr Hehir's reinstatement or compensation. Shadow justice minister Dr Kieran Mullan initiated the petition, which has garnered widespread attention.
Mr Hehir, originally from Limerick, Ireland, worked in north-west London. He described the public support as "incredible," particularly following an employment tribunal that upheld Metroline's decision to dismiss him.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
The incident occurred on June 25, 2024, when a thief boarded the 206 bus route between Wembley and Maida Vale. After stealing a passenger's necklace, Mr Hehir gave chase, ultimately knocking out the assailant in what he claims was self-defence.
"I'd be very happy if Metroline made an apology and just admitted that they might have got it wrong," Mr Hehir told the Press Association. "I'd like them to compensate me for lost earnings, that's important, that they understand they got it wrong, that's important for me."
Severe Health Consequences
The confrontation resulted in serious health issues for Mr Hehir. He spent six days in hospital with an infection from the thief's tooth, requiring two operations on his hand. Surgeons warned he was "very, very close to losing my hand" without immediate treatment.
Despite being employed by Metroline during his hospitalisation, Mr Hehir claims no one from the company contacted him to check on his welfare. "I thought that was a disgrace," he said.
Company Response and Tribunal Outcome
Metroline has maintained its position, with a spokesperson stating: "The tribunal has upheld the dismissal as fair." Company documents show operations manager Alina Gioroc contacted Mr Hehir when he missed a disciplinary hearing on July 9, 2024, while he was hospitalised.
Mr Hehir, who now works in a bar, remains critical of Metroline's treatment of drivers. "You cannot work for a company that treats its staff like that," he said. "If anything does happen, it's always the driver's fault, they'll come down on you heavy."
Financial Support and Political Backing
More than £20,000 has been raised for Mr Hehir through a GoFundMe page. Politicians across party lines have expressed support, with shadow transport minister Richard Holden and London Assembly Conservative leader Susan Hall writing to Mayor Sadiq Khan demanding "serious consideration of reinstatement or appropriate compensation."
Former prime minister Boris Johnson commented on social media, calling the dismissal emblematic of "wet, woke, legalistic pettifoggers," while Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick described Metroline's conduct as "disgraceful."
Driver's Perspective on His Actions
Mr Hehir, who describes bus driving as "an underpaid tough job," doesn't consider himself a hero despite public perception. "I've always felt I was justified in my actions," he said, "and it just seems that 99.5% of people agree with me."
The overwhelming response to his story took him by surprise. "I didn't know what was going on, but then my phone just started popping, going crazy," he recalled of when the news broke online.
