A convicted killer who used a Narwhal tusk to catch a terrorist could be released early from prison.

Steven Gallant is serving a minimum of 17 years after killing a former firefighter in Hull 15 years ago.

However, The Times reports his 2022 parole hearing has been brought forward.

At the time of the London Bridge attack Boris Johnson said:

“It is not for the government to decide these things, but it is my hope that that gallantry will in due course be recognised in the proper way.”

Gallant was attending a prisoner rehabilitation course when he stepped in stop Usman Khan.

Khan had stabbed two graduates to death at Fishmonger’s Hall.

Gallant wrestled Khan to the floor, allowing armed police to shoot him dead.

Afterwards Gallant said he “didn’t hesitate” to fight off the terrorist.

He took on Khan as he fled across London Bridge.

He helped restrain the man 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.

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.”

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.”

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.”