The Road to London Bridge: How I went from a life of violence to stopping the terror attack Fishmongers’ Hall

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Two years after the incident, Steve spoke about the harrowing moment he, John, and Ministry of Justice aide Darryn Frost pounced on Khan. Steven Gallant was on a day release to participate in a prisoner rehabilitation event in Fishmongers’ Hall. The event was organized by some scholars students. Meet Steve Gallant, a man whose life took a dramatic turn when he was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder in 2005. Confined to the walls of HMP Frankland, a Category A Prison, Steve witnessed a world of chaos and violence that would change him forever. From the disturbing scenes of cell fires to gang battles on prison wings, Steve's early days behind bars were a stark wake-up call. Determined to break free from his own cycle of violence, he made a solemn vow to never use violence again. This guy was passionate about his role and he had such a profound effect on so many people in the prison system.” The last murderer to be given a royal pardon was former IRA leader and police informer Sean O’Callaghan, who was freed nearly 25 years ago.

According to some sources, the connection of Steven’s attempt of murder is rooted in a 2002 murder case of a prostitute for which Barrie was convicted earlier and then found not guilty. Read Next:• Worried mum told to take son, three, to hospital herself after he had fit due to 'two-and-a-half hour wait for ambulance' Mr Gallant said: “I deeply regret the fact that I have taken someone’s life. And I understand and I accept nobody has the right to take someone’s life or use violence.” As the news spread of the heroic act of the convicted murderer public urged for his release. However, the decision was not made in 2019.

Gallant, 42, will see the 17-year sentence he received in 2005 reduced by 10 months, and could go before a parole board next June to rubber stamp his freedom, the Mirror reported. Neil Hudgell, Gallant’s solicitor, said: “Steve feels a debt of gratitude to all those who helped him to achieve a royal prerogative of mercy. He is passionate about using his knowledge and experiences to help others steer away from crime.” Mr Gallant says he had become friends with Mr Merritt through the Learning Together prison reform programme.

Mr Gallant was on his first day out of prison, on day release while serving a 17-year sentence, when he confronted Khan who was armed with two knives and had a fake bomb strapped to his body. Now on 17 October, he received a pardon from her majesty under the act of “exceptional act of bravery” and get 10 months early release. Their selfless actions have saved lives, and I want to express profound thanks for their willingness to put themselves in danger to protect others. They are all extremely worthy winners of the final Civilian Gallantry awards of Her Majesty the late Queen." I think it symbolised a really important moment that captured a lot of people’s imagination, in the sense that you can change.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Today, Steve works as a fundraiser for the Howard League for Penal Reform, tirelessly working for change within the criminal justice system. He is also the co-founder of Own Merit CIC, a social enterprise that provides vital resettlement support to prison leavers, helping them reintegrate into society with dignity and purpose. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Oliver Dowden said: "We all hope we’d react with courage in the face of danger. These people have lived through that test, and responded in the most admirable way. Steve's heroic actions did not go unnoticed. In October 2020, he was granted a Royal Prerogative of Mercy by Queen Elizabeth II, leading to his release from prison in August 2021. And in March 2023, Steve was bestowed with the prestigious Queen's Gallantry Medal, a testament to his bravery on that terrible day. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{