A London bus driver has been dismissed from his role after an employment tribunal upheld his sacking for gross misconduct, following an incident where he chased down and punched a man who had stolen a passenger's necklace. The case, heard in Watford, centred on whether the driver's actions were justified or constituted a breach of company policy.
Incident Details and Tribunal Findings
Mark Hehir, who had been employed as a bus driver with Metroline for approximately two years, was operating the 206 service between Wembley and Maida Vale in north-west London on June 25, 2024. According to tribunal evidence, a man boarded the bus, pushed past a female passenger, and snatched a necklace from her neck before fleeing the scene. In response, Mr Hehir pursued the individual down the street, successfully retrieved the necklace, and returned it to the passenger.
Altercation and Aftermath
The tribunal heard that the man subsequently returned towards the bus, where he allegedly threw the first punch at Mr Hehir. The driver retaliated with a single blow that rendered the assailant unconscious. Mr Hehir then dragged the man to the pavement and restrained him for nearly thirty minutes until authorities arrived. Both men were arrested, but Mr Hehir was later released without charge, with police indicating no further action would be taken.
Disciplinary Proceedings and Dismissal
Following the incident, Mr Hehir was suspended from duty and faced a disciplinary hearing. Metroline alleged that he had brought the company into disrepute by physically assaulting a passenger and failed to ensure safety by leaving the bus unattended with the engine running while chasing the assailant. Mr Hehir defended his actions, stating he acted instinctively to protect the passenger and had secured the bus by leaving the doors open and the handbrake on.
Conflicting Perspectives on the Incident
During the hearing, an email from Detective Constable Waddington was presented, noting that Mr Hehir's use of force was deemed proportionate and necessary in self-defence and defence of the female passenger. Mr Hehir emphasised that the passenger was frightened when the man returned, and he restrained him out of concern for further aggression. He also highlighted public perception, with many viewing him as a hero for his intervention.
However, Alina Gioroc, the operations manager who oversaw the disciplinary case, offered a contrasting view. She argued that the man had returned to the bus with the intention to apologise and shake hands, and that Mr Hehir escalated the situation by pushing him away rather than de-escalating. Gioroc described the prolonged restraint as an excessive and disproportionate use of force, leading to the decision to dismiss Mr Hehir without notice for gross misconduct.
Tribunal Outcome and Implications
The employment tribunal ultimately upheld the dismissal, reinforcing Metroline's stance on employee conduct. This case underscores the complex balance between instinctive protective actions and adherence to corporate protocols in high-pressure situations. It raises questions about how transport operators manage incidents involving passenger safety and employee responsibilities, particularly in urban settings like London where such events can occur unexpectedly.
