Did a Fired Bus Driver Save a Theft Victim by Fighting Back?

A woman whose necklace was stolen by a bus passenger expressed her deep gratitude to the driver who intervened during the terrifying incident. Katalin Kaszas spoke out after Mark Hehir, the driver who was later dismissed for his actions, chased down the thief and retrieved her necklace, showcasing the complexities surrounding public safety and employee rights in the UK.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The case of Katalin Kaszas and Mark Hehir has drawn significant public attention, highlighting issues of personal safety and the consequences faced by employees who act in self-defence or public interest. Kaszas has publicly thanked Hehir for his bravery, stating that his actions made her feel safe during a frightening encounter. However, Hehir's subsequent sacking by Metroline for gross misconduct has raised questions about the responsibilities of transport operators to protect both their staff and passengers. The incident occurred in June 2024 and has sparked discussions about legal protections for employees who intervene in such situations.

Key takeaways

Katalin Kaszas was grateful to driver Mark Hehir for retrieving her stolen necklace during a bus theft.
Hehir was dismissed for gross misconduct after intervening in the incident.
The case raises important questions about employee rights and public safety measures in the UK.

Timeline: how we got here

The incident and its aftermath unfolded as follows:

June 2024: The theft occurs on a 206 bus in north-west London, with Katalin Kaszas being targeted by a thief.
25 June 2024: Mark Hehir is suspended from duty following the incident and an investigation is initiated.
Tribunal Ruling: Hehir's dismissal for gross misconduct is upheld by an employment tribunal.
October 2023: Kaszas speaks out about her experience, highlighting the impact on her sense of safety.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Katalin Kaszas has publicly expressed her gratitude to Mark Hehir during a recent event at Parliament, where she emphasized the emotional impact of the incident on her life as a single mother. Her statements have reignited discussions about the responsibilities of bus drivers and the implications of their actions during emergencies.

What was already established

It was previously known that Mark Hehir chased down the thief who had stolen Kaszas's necklace and that he punched the assailant in self-defence. The tribunal's findings indicated that Hehir's response was deemed "proportionate and necessary," yet this did not prevent his dismissal from Metroline.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The incident has raised concerns among passengers regarding their safety while using public transport in London. Kaszas's experience illustrates the potential risks faced by commuters and the importance of having drivers who are willing to act decisively in dangerous situations. The public's perception of safety on buses could influence ridership and overall trust in public transportation services.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses like Metroline, the case highlights the challenges of balancing employee safety with company policies. The decision to dismiss Hehir may set a precedent affecting how companies handle similar situations in the future. There is a growing call for policies that better protect employees who act to ensure the safety of others, potentially influencing hiring practices and training for drivers.

Policy and regulation

The discussions surrounding this case may prompt calls for a review of policies regarding employee conduct during emergencies. Shadow justice minister Dr Kieran Mullan, along with other officials, has expressed concerns about the implications of Hehir's dismissal for public safety and employee rights, suggesting a need for clearer guidelines on how transport staff should respond in such situations.

Numbers that matter

206: The bus route where the incident occurred, highlighting the location's role in public transport safety.
62: Mark Hehir's age, indicating that he is part of an older workforce where physical engagement in conflicts might be more scrutinised.
1: The number of employees dismissed as a result of the incident, raising concerns about the implications for employee morale and public confidence in safety measures.

Definitions and jargon buster

Gross misconduct: A serious violation of company policy that can lead to immediate dismissal.
Self-defence: The act of defending oneself against an aggressor, legally justified under specific circumstances.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, stakeholders may advocate for changes in company policies regarding emergency responses on public transport. Public discussions may continue regarding employee rights and safety protocols.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Legislative reviews may emerge as a response to the incident, with potential proposals for better protections for employees who intervene in thefts or assaults. Companies may also redefine their training programs to address such situations more effectively.

Signals to watch

Monitoring for any proposed changes to transport policy or employee protection laws in the UK.
Public sentiment regarding safety on public transport and its effect on ridership.
Future cases involving employee interventions in public safety scenarios.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay alert when using public transport, and be aware of your surroundings.
Report any incidents of theft or aggressive behaviour to bus staff or authorities promptly.

Don’t

Do not engage physically with aggressors unless absolutely necessary for self-defence.
Don’t assume that others will intervene; take personal safety into your own hands if needed.

Checklist

Have you reviewed your local transport safety policies?
Do you know how to report incidents on public transport?
Are you familiar with your rights as a passenger in the UK?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the situation evolves, uncertainties remain regarding how companies will adapt their policies in response to public outcry over employee treatment during emergencies. The outcomes of any potential legislative changes are also unpredictable, with many variables influencing the outcomes. It is essential to remain cautious about drawing conclusions until further developments occur.

Bottom line

The events surrounding Katalin Kaszas and Mark Hehir underscore the complexities of public safety and employee rights in the UK. As discussions continue, it is vital for both transport companies and lawmakers to consider the implications of current policies on the safety of passengers and the rights of employees who intervene in dangerous situations.

FAQs

What happened to the bus driver involved in the incident?

Mark Hehir was dismissed from his position for gross misconduct after intervening in a theft on his bus, raising questions about employee rights and public safety.

Why did Katalin Kaszas feel guilty about the incident?

Katalin Kaszas expressed feelings of guilt following the incident, despite acknowledging it was not her fault, as she felt responsible for the consequences faced by the bus driver.

What are the implications of this case for public transport in the UK?

This case may lead to discussions about employee protections and public safety measures on buses, influencing future policy decisions regarding how transport staff should respond to emergencies.