A London bus driver has been dismissed from his role after a dramatic incident in which he chased and punched a thief who stole a passenger's necklace. The case, which has sparked debate over the boundaries of self-defence and professional conduct, saw the driver, Mark Hehir, lose his job following an employment tribunal that ruled in favour of his employer.
Incident Details on the 206 Bus Route
The event unfolded on 25 June 2024, when a man snatched a necklace from a female passenger aboard the 206 bus route in north-west London. Witnessing the theft, Hehir, who was driving the bus at the time, decided to intervene. He pursued the thief, managed to retrieve the necklace, and returned it to the passenger. However, the situation escalated when the alleged thief returned to the scene.
Claims of Self-Defence and Excessive Force
According to Hehir, the man threw the first punch upon returning, prompting Hehir to respond in what he described as self-defence. The altercation resulted in Hehir knocking the thief unconscious and restraining him for nearly half an hour until authorities arrived. Despite Hehir's assertion that his actions were justified to protect himself and others, his employer, Metroline, took a different view.
Metroline sacked Hehir for gross misconduct, citing several reasons for the dismissal. The company alleged that Hehir brought the firm into disrepute by engaging in the chase and physical confrontation. Additionally, they argued that he failed to protect passenger safety by leaving the bus unattended during the incident. Metroline also contended that Hehir used excessive force in subduing the thief, which they deemed unacceptable under company policies.
Employment Tribunal Upholds Dismissal Decision
An employment tribunal reviewed the case and upheld Metroline's decision to dismiss Hehir. The tribunal stated that the dismissal was fair and fell within the reasonable responses of an employer in such circumstances. They considered the evidence presented, including the risks to passenger safety and the potential for reputational damage to the company.
This ruling highlights the complex balance between individual acts of heroism and the professional responsibilities expected in roles like bus driving. While some may view Hehir's actions as commendable for standing up to crime, the tribunal's decision underscores the importance of adhering to workplace protocols and avoiding situations that could escalate into violence.
Broader Implications for Public Transport Workers
The case raises questions about how public transport employees should handle criminal incidents while on duty. It serves as a cautionary tale for drivers and other staff, emphasising that even well-intentioned interventions can lead to severe consequences if they breach company guidelines or endanger safety. As debates continue over public safety and employee rights, this incident may influence future policies and training for transport workers across London and beyond.
