A London bus driver who chased and restrained a thief has been sacked, sparking a public outcry and a petition which has now surpassed 5,000 signatures. The petition was launched by MP Dr Kieran Mullan, who is calling for the driver to be reinstated or fairly compensated.
Mark Hehir was sacked from his job as a bus driver in North-West London after chasing down and restraining a robber who stole a passenger’s necklace in June 2024. Mr Hehir kept the man restrained for half an hour before police arrived and arrested them both, but he was later released and told he would face no further action.
The police said Mr Hehir “had used force which was proportionate and necessary in the circumstances in the defence of himself and the female passenger.”
Despite his bravery, Mr Hehir was sacked by bus company Metroline. One of the company’s concerns was that the robber was a “customer.” A tribunal held in Watford later upheld the dismissal.
Dr Mullan has been vocal in defending Mr Hehir and encouraging public support. He said: “Acting quickly to help people in moments like this is difficult and even trained professionals can make mistakes. But people doing the right thing, for the right reasons when so many look the other way need our support not the rule book being thrown at them.”
The MP added: “As an MP I can’t make a company act differently but with public support we can shame them into doing the right thing. Mark’s courage ensured the safety of his passenger and put a wrong right. Sign this petition if you agree Mark’s dismissal was shameful and unjust and that Metroline should reinstate or compensate him.”
Mr Hehir’s case has drawn widespread attention, with thousands of people signing the petition to demand that Metroline reconsider its decision. Supporters have criticised the company for treating the thief as a “customer” while penalising Mr Hehir for acting to protect the public.
The tribunal’s decision has sparked debate about the balance between workplace rules and common-sense intervention.
Legal experts note that employment tribunals often defer to an employer’s judgment, even when police support an employee’s actions. However, public campaigns can influence companies to offer settlements or reconsider disciplinary outcomes.
The petition’s growing support reflects widespread sympathy for Mr Hehir’s actions and anger over what many see as an unjust dismissal.
Advocates argue that punishing staff who intervene to prevent harm risks discouraging employees from stepping in during dangerous situations in the future.
Tory Dr Mullan urged the public to continue backing the petition, stressing that it is a way to publicly support heroism and hold companies accountable: “The overwhelming response to this petition shows that the public recognises heroism when they see it, and they expect companies to do the right thing too.”
As of January 2026, the petition has surpassed 5,000 signatures, highlighting a wave of public support for Hehir and criticism of Metroline’s decision.
Express.co.uk has contacted Metroline for comment.
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