Unarmed inmate who tackled London Bridge attacker approved for release

An unarmed inmate who tackled the Fishmongers’ Hall attacker to the ground has been directed for release from prison.

Steven Gallant was one of three men who restrained convicted terrorist Usman Khan until armed police arrived at the scene in November 2019.

Khan, who had two large knives and a fake suicide belt, stabbed Cambridge graduates Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, and injured three other people before running on to London Bridge.

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Steven Gallant in the Guildhall in London during the inquest into the terror attack at the Fishmongers' Hall in London on November 29 2019
Elizabeth Cook

Giving evidence at the inquest in April this year into the victims’ deaths, Mr Gallant said he “whacked” Khan with a narwhal tusk but was empty-handed by the time of the battle on the bridge.

A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: “We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board has directed the release of Steven Gallant following an oral hearing.

“Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.

“A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.”

The decision on release is provisional for 21 days subject to any appeal by the Justice Secretary.