Shark hero sacked after bosses see bravery on TV

  • Wales
Paul Marshallsea (centre, blue shorts) helped wrestle a shark away from a busy Queensland beach. Credit: Channel 9 Australia

A Welsh holidaymaker who was praised for dragging a shark away from children on a beach in Australia returned home to Merthyr Tydfil to find he had been sacked.

Watch the video: Welsh grandfather helps pull shark away from children

Paul Marshallsea was on sick leave when he stepped in and helped wrestle the shark.

He had a letter waiting for him at home, in which bosses said they had a "breakdown" of confidence in him after seeing his bravery on television.

He has been featured on ITV before for his work with young people in Merthyr.

Mr Marshallsea had been a charity project manager, a high-profile member of the community who even hosted royalty.

His employer, Pant and Dowlais Boys & Girls Club, said today it cannot comment because of legal issues.