Story perspectives

Heroic Bus Driver Fired After Recovering Stolen Necklace

1/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mark Hehir, a bus driver from north-west London, was dismissed by Metroline after recovering a passenger's stolen necklace, despite being praised as a hero.
A tribunal ruling upheld his dismissal, prompting a GoFundMe campaign that raised over £4,500 and an online petition for his reinstatement with over 6,000 signatures.
Supporters, including MP Robert Jenrick, argue that punishing Hehir sends a troubling message about confronting crime.
Reform UK’s Laila Cunningham threatened to cut future contracts with Metroline if Hehir is not reinstated.

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Story summary

Mark Hehir, a bus driver from north-west London, was dismissed by Metroline after recovering a passenger's stolen necklace, despite being praised as a hero.
A tribunal ruling upheld his dismissal, prompting a GoFundMe campaign that raised over £4,500 and an online petition for his reinstatement with over 6,000 signatures.
Supporters, including MP Robert Jenrick, argue that punishing Hehir sends a troubling message about confronting crime.
Reform UK’s Laila Cunningham threatened to cut future contracts with Metroline if Hehir is not reinstated.