An employment tribunal has revealed that a London bus driver was terminated after he chased and physically confronted a man who had stolen a necklace from a passenger. Der Fahrer, Mr. Hehir, verfolgte den Dieb und konnte den gestohlenen Gegenstand erfolgreich zurückholen. Ein ‚Held‘-Busfahrer wurde entlassen, nachdem er einen Mann verfolgt und geschlagen hatte, der die Halskette einer Passagierin gestohlen hatte.
Upon returning to the bus, the thief allegedly threw the first punch at Mr. Hehir, who responded by striking him once in self-defense, rendering the assailant unconscious. Following the altercation, Mr. Hehir restrained the man on the pavement for nearly thirty minutes.
Police Involvement and Disciplinary Actions
Both individuals were arrested by the police, but Mr. Hehir was released without any charges. However, he faced immediate suspension from his position at Metroline the following day and was summoned to a disciplinary hearing.
During the hearing, allegations were made against him, including claims that he had brought the company into disrepute by physically assaulting a passenger and that he had endangered others by leaving the bus unattended with the engine running. Ein Londoner Busfahrer wurde entlassen, nachdem er einem Dieb nachgejagt und ihn geschlagen hatte.
Mr. Hehir defended his actions by stating that he acted instinctively to chase the thief and had left the bus doors open with the handbrake engaged. He expressed concern for the safety of the female passenger, who was frightened when the thief returned, fearing that he might retaliate if he regained his footing.
Conflicting Perspectives on the Incident
Mr. Hehir asserted that public perception of his actions was largely positive, with many viewing him as a hero. An email from a police detective indicated that Mr. Hehir’s use of force was considered proportionate and necessary for the protection of both himself and the female passenger.
Conversely, Alina Gioroc, the operations manager overseeing the disciplinary proceedings, argued that the thief had returned to the bus with the intention of apologizing and attempting to shake hands with the female passenger. She contended that Mr. Hehir’s decision to push the man away was unwarranted, as the thief had not displayed aggression until that moment.
Ms. Gioroc also criticized the duration of the restraint, labeling it as an excessive and disproportionate response. Ultimately, she supported the decision to terminate Mr. Hehir’s employment without notice.
Tribunal’s Conclusion
The tribunal, convened in Watford, ruled that Metroline acted within its rights to dismiss Mr. Hehir. It determined that the disciplinary and appeal managers had a reasonable belief that Mr. Hehir was guilty of gross misconduct, which justified the company’s actions.
A spokesperson for Metroline commented that the tribunal’s decision affirmed the fairness of the dismissal, emphasizing that Mr. Hehir had violated protocols intended to ensure the safety of both staff and passengers, which remains the company’s top priority.
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Bildquelle: Wolfgang Weiser auf Pexels
