75. Steve Gallant on his journey from murderer to hero

If you pitched the story we discuss in this episode as a fictional film script you’d be laughed out of the room … so shocking, so unlikely is this tale of crisis.In 2005 Steve Gallant was convicted of the brutal revenge murder of a man he claimed had attacked his then girlfriend. After being sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum 17-year term, Steve made a vow to never again use violence. He kept that vow for 14 and a half years until, on November 29th 2019, he was allowed out on day release for the first time to attend an educational event at Fishmonger’s Hall near London Bridge. On that day Usman Khan, a former prisoner, unleashed terror – killing two young graduates Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones. Steve, along with two others, confronted Khan, who was wearing what turned out to be a fake suicide vest, and chased him out of the building, bizarrely using huge Narwhal tusks and a fire extinguisher. With no concern for their own safety, they took him down before armed police then ended his life.The reaction to Steve’s incredible bravery was mixed. For some, including then PM Boris Johnson, he was lauded as a hero. But for others it raised questions about his rehabilitation … about whether his reactions on that day demonstrated a continued willingness to use violence.Steve was eventually awarded the Queen’s Medal for Gallantry and granted a Royal Prerogative of Mercy, reducing his minimum term by 10 months. He details his time in prison, essentially a story of change in the face of daily crisis, in his compelling new book The Road To London Bridge. And in this conversation we explore his journey – from a difficult and violent childhood, through the shame of his appalling crime, his determination to change as he navigated his way through the prison system, to that day of truly astounding, instinctive bravery.This is a crisis conversation unlike any we have had. My thanks to Steve for joining us.Steve’s Crisis Comforts 1. Perspective – Knowing what you have and understanding there is always someone worse off than you.2. Cup of tea – I love Yorkshire tea bags. You can’t beat it. Yorkshire Tea was a lifesaver in prison.3. Exercise – Staying physically healthy helps the mind and in prison keeps the odd idiot at bay.LinksStream/Buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bmSome Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.ukYour Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682 Watch the documentary - London Bridge: Facing Terror https://www.channel4.com/programmes/london-bridge-facing-terror/on-demand/74280-001 Read Steve’s book – ‘The Road to London Bridge’ - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Road-London-Bridge-Steve-Gallant/dp/1399604856 Host: Andy CoulsonCWC production: Louise Difford and Jane SankeyWith special thanks to Global For all PR and guest approaches please contact – [email protected]