Extraordinary

Delve into the harrowing true story of a man who was entrenched in London’s criminal underworld, a tale as much about redemption as it is about crime. Born amidst Northern Ireland’s violent conflict, his earliest memory – witnessing a young man’s brutal demise – set the stage for a life entwined with the lawless. From grim children’s homes to the notorious ranks of crime gangs, his quest for belonging led him down a path marked by danger and betrayal.

His life took a perilous turn during a failed armed robbery, culminating in him shooting at a police officer and 15 years as a Category A prisoner. Among infamous inmates like Charles Bronson, his resilience was tested in the darkest recesses of the human mind. Yet, it was within these walls that the seeds of an extraordinary transformation were sown.

Now recognised as an international peace prize winner, a successful entrepreneur, and a charity worker, his life stands as a profound journey from the depths of criminality to the heights of humanitarian achievement. His story is not just a chronicle of resilience and strength but an inspiring testament to the human spirit’s capacity to change. Will his path to redemption inspire you to believe in second chances?

Author Biography

Stephen was first imprisoned for 2 months at the age of 14, then sentenced to 17 years in prison in 1991, aged 22, for his involvement in a crime operation that saw him jailed as a category A prisoner.
When inside, Gillen shared a prison with notorious criminal Charles Bronson (amongst others) whom he befriended whilst inside. Stephen was moved 25 times whilst behind bars before eventually being released in 2003.