Apologise to sacked bus driver - London Assembly

A bus driver who was sacked after knocking a thief unconscious should receive an apology and be reinstated or receive compensation, according to a motion passed by the London Assembly.

Mark Hehir, 62, was driving a 206 bus between Wembley and Maida Vale in north-west London in June 2024 when passenger Katalin Kaszas's necklace was stolen. He retrieved it but punched the thief when the man returned to the bus.

Hehir was dismissed by his employer, Metroline, for gross misconduct, a decision that went on to be upheld at an employment tribunal.

The motion, which was agreed unanimously, "recognises the overwhelming public concern surrounding this case". Hehir said he was "thrilled" about the motion.

CCTV evidence played at the tribunal showed the thief throwing a punch at Hehir, although Metroline stated it thought the thief had come back to the bus "with the clear intention to apologise and shake hands".

Both men were arrested following the altercation in Harlesden but Hehir, who said he acted in self-defence, was later released and told he would not face further police action.

The Met Police told the hearing that Hehir's response had been "proportionate and necessary in the circumstances".

The day after the incident, on 25 June 2024, Hehir, who is originally from County Limerick and now lives in Wembley, was suspended from duty and told to attend an investigation. He was later dismissed.

The London Assembly motion "calls on the mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) to carry out a full investigation into this incident".

It goes on: "The Assembly further calls on the mayor to ensure that clear guidance is put in place so that transport workers who act in good faith to protect passengers are treated fairly and supported, not punished."

Kaszas previously told the BBC the driver "made me feel safe" and "since there is no Mark on the buses, I don't feel that safe any more because I know the next driver isn't going to step off the bus to protect me because he's going to lose his job."

On Tuesday, Justice Secretary David Lammy told the House of Commons on Tuesday that Hehir "is of course a hero and deserves our support".

The tribunal heard Metroline's position was that Hehir's actions amounted to gross misconduct for three reasons:

• Bringing the company into disrepute by physically assaulting a passenger
• Physically assaulting and injuring a passenger
• Failing to protect his and his passengers' safety by leaving the bus unattended with engine running and chasing an assailant

Metroline previously said he had "breached protocols designed to keep staff and passengers safe, which is our priority".

A TfL spokesperson said: "Bus drivers in London are employed directly by the individual bus operating companies. Each operator is responsible for the employment of its staff."

The mayor has been approached for comment.

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