The convicted killer who used a narwhal tusk to help bring down a London Bridge terrorist could be set for an early release from prison.
Prisoner Steven Gallant was granted a Royal pardon which enables him to apply for release from prison early. He could even find out Monday (5 July) when he will be freed.
Gallant risked his life to pin down jihadist knifeman Usman Khan, 28, who killed graduates Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones during the 2019 terror incident.
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The victims, aged 25 and 23 respectively - both part of the Learning Together scheme to help prisoners access education - were killed, while several others were wounded.
The 43-year-old was jailed for 17 years back in 2005, for murdering a man called Barrie Jackson in Hull. He was in London attending a rehabilitation event with fellow participant Khan when he launched the attack.
Now sources have told The Mirror that he could be out sooner than expected. They said: "A decision will be made on Monday. He could be out in three weeks if things go OK. But Steve is desperate to keep a low profile whilst settling outside.
"He's turned his life around and wants to keep on probation's good side."
Gallant helped restrain Khan, who was wearing a fake suicide vest and armed with two knives, before the terrorist was shot dead by police.
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In October last year, the Queen employed the little-used 'Royal Prerogative of Mercy' to bring Gallant's case before the parole board 10 months early.
The monarch used the power on the advice of Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said: "The Lord Chancellor has granted Steven Gallant a Royal Prerogative of Mercy reducing his minimum tariff of 10 months in recognition of his exceptionally brave actions at Fishmongers' Hall, which helped save people's lives despite the tremendous risk to his own."
It is understood he has been a model prisoner who has expressed remorse for his crimes and has not faced any punishment or loss of privileges for the past 10 years.
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Jack Merritt's father David, 55, welcomed the news, telling The Daily Mirror: "Steve fully deserves this pardon, or reduction in sentence.
"It is fantastic. He was very close to Jack and he turned his life around and reformed. I am really pleased for him."
In a statement on behalf of Hudgell Solicitors, Neil Hudgell told LADbible: "When I first met Steve he struck me as a hugely articulate and reflective person with a wealth of insight into the prison system. He is a shining example of reformation not only for himself, but others he has helped."
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