Mark Hehir, a 62-year-old bus driver from north London, never imagined that a routine shift on the 206 bus—from Wembley to Maida Vale—would thrust him into the middle of a dramatic theft.
On June 25, 2024, a young woman boarding the bus had her necklace snatched by a man who had brushed past her moments earlier.
What happened next would test Mark’s instincts, courage, and ultimately his career.
Chasing Down a Thief
Faced with a split-second decision, Mark didn’t hesitate.
He sprinted after the thief, recovering the stolen necklace and returning it to the visibly shaken passenger.
But the danger wasn’t over.
The man turned back toward the woman, prompting Mark to step in and defend her.
A single punch was enough to knock the man unconscious, allowing Mark to restrain him on the pavement for around 30 minutes until police arrived.
Suspension and Dismissal Spark Outrage
Despite his heroic actions, Mark’s life took a sharp turn the next day.
Metroline, his employer for two years, suspended him and later terminated his employment, citing gross misconduct for failing to follow company procedures.
The decision sparked widespread outrage, with a petition launched by shadow cabinet member Dr. Kieran Mullan quickly reaching 100,000 signatures and a GoFundMe raising over £20,000 in support.
The Physical and Emotional Toll
The aftermath of the incident left Mark hospitalized for six days, undergoing two surgeries due to an infection he says was caused by the thief biting him.
“I was very close to losing my hand,” he told the Daily Mail, describing the ordeal as “disgraceful” since no one from Metroline checked on his well-being.
The experience has left him disillusioned with a job he once loved.
Seeking Justice, Not Heroism
Mark emphasizes that his actions weren’t about heroism or money—they were about doing what was right.
“It’s all about justice,” he says.
Though he appreciates the online support, he remains humble: “I don’t think of myself as a hero. I just felt justified in my actions, and most people seem to agree.”
A Job Lost, A Life Upended
Mark’s career with Metroline, which he had enjoyed for its community connections and daily interactions with passengers, is now over.
He describes the work as rewarding and personal, a role where he knew regular passengers and built rapport.
“They took all that away,” he laments.
Despite the setback, he has found temporary employment at a pub in Wembley, learning new skills with the help of a friend.
“It’s a huge decrease in earnings, but it kept me going. It kept me alive,” he says.
Conflicting Accounts and Tribunal Decision
The incident was examined by an employment tribunal, which heard supportive evidence from police officers who described Mark’s use of force as “proportionate and necessary.”
CCTV footage confirmed his account of the punch.
However, Metroline’s operations manager, Alina Gioroc, ruled that the alleged thief had returned to “apologize” and therefore claimed Mark acted improperly.
The tribunal ultimately upheld his dismissal, ruling that the company’s disciplinary decision was within a reasonable range.
Political and Public Backing
Mark’s case has captured national attention.
Shadow ministers, local politicians, and even former Prime Minister Boris Johnson publicly criticized Metroline’s handling of the situation.
Dr. Kieran Mullan, who launched the petition, said: “Mark stepped in to protect a passenger and recover her stolen property.
Law-abiding people should not be punished for standing up to thugs.”
Calls for his reinstatement or compensation continue to mount.
A Lesson in Courage and Consequences
Reflecting on the incident, Mark admits that he hopes he would act the same way again if faced with a similar situation.
While the ordeal has left lasting scars—both physical and emotional—he draws strength from public support and the belief that standing up for others is worth the risk.
“It was never about the money,” he says. “It was about doing the right thing. They got it wrong.”
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