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

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Afterwards, Gallant said he “didn’t hesitate” to confront Khan. In a statement he said: “I could tell something was wrong and had to help. I saw injured people. Khan was stood in the foyer with two large knives in his hands. He was a clear danger to all.” Steve Gallant's story is one of resilience, redemption, and the power of transformation. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how dark the past may be, or how challenging the present, it is never too late to change and make a positive impact. 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.

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.In addition to Toby, Steven said that he was ready to die when he stepped towards Usman. He did not have any hesitation or any kind of fear in his heart. But when he went to have a look at what was happening, the officer was giving first aid to a woman and another woman lay seriously injured nearby. 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.”

This guy was passionate about his role and he had such a profound effect on so many people in the prison system.” 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. 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. The Ministry of Justice said the Queen was advised to grant this pardon as a result of Gallant’s “exceptionally brave actions […] which helped save people’s lives despite the tremendous risk to his own”. Two years after the incident, Steve spoke about the harrowing moment he, John, and Ministry of Justice aide Darryn Frost pounced on Khan.Referring to his conviction for murder, Gallant said: “It is right I was handed a severe penalty for my actions. Once I’d accepted my punishment, I decided to seek help. When you go to prison, you lose control of your life. Bettering yourself becomes one of the few things you can do while reducing the existing burden on society.” James Gilligan is his partner in crime, after getting accused of a murder they both were sentenced to 17 years imprisonment. 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. 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.

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." 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.” I think it symbolised a really important moment that captured a lot of people’s imagination, in the sense that you can change. 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' Steve Gallant, 28, and Daniel Gilligan, 27, both of east Hull, were convicted at Hull Crown Court on Wednesday. The pair must serve at least 17 years.Mr Justice Crane said: "The taking of revenge and taking the law into your own hands gets no sympathy at all from the courts. 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. 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. I think he wanted to scare me off. But he was in the midst of a killing spree. I couldn’t just walk away and for some reason, I assumed it was fake. Mr Gallant says he had become friends with Mr Merritt through the Learning Together prison reform programme.

With an unwavering determination to turn his life around, Steve embarked on a journey of self-transformation, learning how to write, immersing himself in education and scripting and directing award winning plays. His thirst for learning led him to achieve a business degree from the esteemed Oxford Brookes University. 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.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. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ 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. He was taking part in a Learning Together event at Fishmongers’ Hall, next to London Bridge, along with several other people who had spent time in prison, including Mr Gallant. Mr Gallant told Channel 4 News: “What happened there represented so much of what I believe in – that people can change.