A London bus driver was sacked after he chased and knocked out a thief who stole a passenger's necklace. However, the man returned to the vehicle and threw "the first punch" at Mr Hehir - who hit him once in self defence, knocking him unconscious. Police arrested both of them, but Mr Hehir was later released and told he would face no further action. Mr Hehir told the hearing "he had acted instinctively in running after the [man]" and had left the doors open with the handbrake on. Mr Hehir told the hearing that the public view of his actions was he was a "hero".