Sacking of bus driver who punched thief 'shameful'

"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. Ludicrously, one of their concerns was that the robber was a 'customer'."

"the claimant had used force which was proportionate and necessary in the circumstances in the defence of himself and the female passenger"

A Metroline driver, Mark Hehir, struck a man who had stolen a necklace from a female passenger on a 206 bus in June 2024. CCTV reportedly showed the thief threw the first punch and was knocked unconscious. Both men were arrested; Hehir was later released with no further police action. Metroline suspended Hehir and opened a disciplinary investigation, citing excessive force and leaving the bus unattended with engine running while pursuing the assailant. Hehir said he acted instinctively and left the doors open with the handbrake on. A detective's note said the force used was proportionate and necessary. A petition seeks reinstatement or compensation.

Read at www.bbc.com