Steve Gallant

Convicted killer Steve Gallant has told how he “didn’t hesitate” to fight off a terrorist who went on a murder spree.

Gallant took on Usman Khan after he’d knifed to death two people at Fishmongers’ Hall in London.

As Khan fled across London Bridge, he was chased by serving prisoner Gallant.

He helped restrain Khan after he’d been tackled to the floor by a group of have-a-go heroes.

The police shot dead Khan – who was threatening to explode a suicide vest which later proved to be fake.

Gallant was in Fishmongers’ Hall on day release. He was attending a conference on justice.

He recounted through his lawyers how he heard a commotion downstairs and went to investigate – despite being told to “stay put”.

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, so I didn’t hesitate.”

Usman Khan

Gallant was handed a Narwhal tusk by civil servant Darryn Frost and tried to hold by Khan who was armed with two knives.

He said: “Khan also showed us the bomb around his waist in an attempt to frighten us.

“We then chased him on to London Bridge and restrained him until the police arrived.”

Gallant and James Gilligan were jailed in 2005 for killing 33-year-old ex-fireman Mr Jackson.

Gallant received 17 years and is eligible for parole in 2022 subject to approval.

He and Gilligan had waited for Mr Jackson outside a pub after believing he attacked Gallant’s girlfriend.

Since going to prison, Gallant has “vowed never to turn to violence again”.

He is now in his third year of a business studies degree.

Gallant said: “Nobody has the right to take another’s life and I offer my sincere apologies to my victim’s family for the hurt caused.

“I can never bring that life back, and it is right that 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.

“Your own future relies on the decisions of others.

“Bettering yourself becomes one of the few things you can do while reducing the existing burden on society.”