Sir Sadiq Khan has been urged to break his silence and back the bus driver who was sacked after stopping a thief.
The London Assembly passed a unanimous motion yesterday praising Mark Hehir – who was sacked in 2024 after knocking out a man who stole a passenger’s necklace.
While the motion is non-binding, it piles pressure on the London Mayor – who is yet to comment on the case.
The leader of the Conservatives in the London Assembly, Susan Hall, has supported Mr Hehir and met him during his visit to Parliament this week.
Mr Hehir said: “I want to thank Susan and the whole Assembly for supporting me. To have everyone come together, all different parties, it means a lot.
“I hope the Mayor now finally says something, as it’s disappointing he hasn’t so far. I would welcome the chance to speak with him about it. I hope he will give his support as well.”
Ms Hall said: “I was delighted that we got the chance to discuss what happened to Mark at City Hall this afternoon.
“I already knew he was a hero but having met him now and heard first-hand what he went through and what a thoroughly decent man he is, I am very glad the public have had a chance to show him their support.”
Mark Hehir met with Conservative MP Dr Kieran Mullan and Tory chief Kemi Badenoch
|
PA
She added: “It is time for the Mayor to show his support now.”
Conservative MP Dr Kieran Mullan started a petition to reinstate “hero” Mr Hehir which was signed by more than 130,000 people.
A crowdfunder in support of the bus driver has raised more than £39,000 from public donations.
Mr Hehir was driving the 206 bus from Wembley to Maida Vale in northwest London on June 25, 2024.
PICTURED: Mark Hehir during his meeting at Parliament this week
|
PA
A tribunal heard that a man boarded the bus then stole a necklace from a female passenger before running off.
Mr Hehir then chased the man, retrieved the necklace and returned it to the passenger.
The man reappeared and threw the “first punch” at Mr Hehir, a tribunal heard.
The bus driver then responded by hitting the man, which left him unconscious.
Mr Hehir dragged the man to the pavement and restrained him for nearly half an hour.
Both men were arrested, but Mr Hehir was released without charge.
The day after the incident, Mr Hehir was suspended from duty and was subjected to an internal investigation.
He was told he brought the bus company into disrepute by physically assaulting a passenger and failing to ensure the safety of himself and his passengers.
Mr Hehir told GB News of his ordeal on Tuesday, saying: “I caught up with him after about 200 metres. There was a brief scuffle, and he realised he wasn’t getting away. I recovered the necklace, walked back to the bus and handed it to Caroline.
“At that point, someone shouted, ‘He’s coming back towards you.’ I turned around and said, ‘It’s over. We’ve got the necklace back. Move on’.
“But he kept advancing towards her. CCTV shows Caroline with her hand raised, telling him to go back. She’s frightened and backing away, yet he continues to come forward.
“Anyone who’s been robbed knows he wasn’t coming back to apologise. There was clearly an ulterior motive. I stood between him and Caroline, put my hand on his chest and leaned back, telling him to go away.”
GB News has approached the Mayor’s office for comment.
