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

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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. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. 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”. 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.

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. 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. 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.” This guy was passionate about his role and he had such a profound effect on so many people in the prison system.” Mr Gallant says he had become friends with Mr Merritt through the Learning Together prison reform programme. 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.

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 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. 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.” 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.

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. Two years after the incident, Steve spoke about the harrowing moment he, John, and Ministry of Justice aide Darryn Frost pounced on Khan. James Gilligan is his partner in crime, after getting accused of a murder they both were sentenced to 17 years imprisonment. Mr Gallant told Channel 4 News: “What happened there represented so much of what I believe in – that people can change. 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.”