Queensland bus driver Robert rushed to the aid of a teen being bashed and robbed by a gang in Brisbane – as thanks for his efforts his bosses sacked him
A local hero has been sacked after stepping in and saving a young passenger from a violent attack during a weekend bus ride.
Robert was behind the wheel of bus 250 on February 18, traveling between the Brisbane suburbs of Redland Bay and Carindale.
Around 1 p.m., three teenagers got into the vehicle and allegedly stole items from another young passenger.
Robert tried to leave the bus, chasing the victim, and decided to intervene when things started to get out of hand.
Three days later he received a call from Transdev telling him he had been fired for misconduct.
βThe victim gave chase and was attacked, at which point the driver intervened,β a spokesperson for the Transport Workers Union (TWU) said.
‘The driver intervened by verbally and physically separating the youths to prevent a further attack.’
Two of the teens stopped while Robert grabbed a third by the shoulders and pulled him off the young passenger.
“He didn’t even struggle, I think he wanted to be stopped,” the bus driver said 9News.
Robert lost his job after intervening to help a young passenger who was the victim of a violent bus robbery
The incident happened on February 18 on the 250 route between the Brisbane suburbs of Redland Bay and Carindale.
“It could have been my child… when you see a child being kicked and kicked, you have to stop it.”
“I just want my job back,” Robert said.
Queensland Police have backed the bus driver’s response, adding the teenager could have suffered much worse injuries or even death if he did not intervene.
A 16-year-old boy was charged in connection with the incident after appearing in Cleveland Children’s Court on March 1.
The Transport Workers Union is working with Robert to bring an unfair dismissal claim.
‘Safety is paramount on board all our services. That’s why our drivers are professionally trained in all aspects of heavy vehicle transport, from driving, customer service to de-escalation training,β a Transdev spokesperson said.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Transdev for further comment on Robert’s claims.