Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

London Bus Driver Sacked for Punching Thief Wants Apology

Mark Hehir was dismissed after chasing a thief and defending himself; over 100,000 signed a petition backing him, and a GoFundMe raised more than £20,000, supporters say.

  • This past week, Mark Hehir, 62, was sacked after chasing a thief who stole a passenger's necklace and knocking them out in self-defence, and an employment tribunal upheld Metroline's dismissal as fair.
  • Hehir said he spent six days in hospital, reached ICU, and had two hand operations after an infection from the thief's tooth, probably in the next three days if not treated.
  • More than 100,000 people have signed a petition launched by Dr Kieran Mullan and a GoFundMe has raised more than 20,000 for Mark Hehir.
  • Hehir said he will not return to Metroline and demands compensation for lost earnings and an apology, saying the company offered no support while union help was limited.
  • Hehir rejects being called a `hero` yet claims `99.5%` support online, while politicians including Dr Kieran Mullan MP, Richard Holden, and Susan Hall have urged Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan to intervene.
Insights by Ground AI

17 Articles

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Evening Standard broke the news in London, United Kingdom on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal