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

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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. 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. I think it symbolised a really important moment that captured a lot of people’s imagination, in the sense that you can change. Two years after the incident, Steve spoke about the harrowing moment he, John, and Ministry of Justice aide Darryn Frost pounced on Khan.

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. 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. 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. Mr Gallant says he had become friends with Mr Merritt through the Learning Together prison reform programme.

James Gilligan is his partner in crime, after getting accused of a murder they both were sentenced to 17 years imprisonment. Mr Justice Crane said: "The taking of revenge and taking the law into your own hands gets no sympathy at all from the courts. 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.

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." This guy was passionate about his role and he had such a profound effect on so many people in the prison system.” We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. 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. 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.

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.

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”. 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. 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.” 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.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. 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. 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. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ 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.