Overview
- A Watford employment tribunal ruled Metroline’s dismissal of driver Mark Hehir was within the range of reasonable responses open to an employer.
- Hehir pursued a man who snatched a passenger’s necklace, returned it, then struck the man once after an attempted punch and restrained him for nearly 30 minutes until police arrived.
- Both men were arrested and Hehir was later released with no further police action, according to case review notes shown to the hearing.
- Metroline cited gross misconduct for leaving the bus unattended and allegedly bringing the company into disrepute, while its manager argued the restraint was excessive and the man may have returned to apologize.
- Public support has grown with a GoFundMe raising over £4,500 and a petition attracting thousands of signatures, as Metroline says safety protocols for staff and passengers take priority.