In this episode of the Criminal Connection Podcast, Terry Stone (aka The Podfather) sits down with former gangster Steven Gillan to discuss an extraordinary life story — from organized crime and armed robbery to prison, reflection, and transformation. This blog unpacks key moments from the conversation.
Early Life in Belfast and London
Steven Gillan’s journey began with a rough start. Born in London but moved to Belfast as a six-month-old, he found himself in the heart of the Northern Ireland conflict. Steven recalls nights filled with gunfire from the nearby flats — a brutal environment for any child. After nine formative years, the death of his surrogate mother brought him back to London, where he entered a series of harsh children's homes.
This turbulent upbringing forged a "feral child" who would soon be drawn into crime, searching for a sense of belonging among high-profile criminals in London's East End.
Rapid Descent into Organized Crime
Steven's transition from petty thefts like car chases and small-time robberies into serious organized crime happened almost overnight. Influenced by older, seasoned criminals, Steven quickly found himself entrenched in a world where guns and violence were commonplace by the age of 15.
In the gritty world of East London, Steven's reputation grew — not just for his ruthlessness but for his passion for "the art of the job." He and his crew approached armed robberies with chilling professionalism, seeking efficiency, dominance, and escape above all else.
Life in the Shadows: Armed Robbery and Violence
Steven discusses how his criminal operations evolved from opportunistic bank snatches to full-scale armed robberies. These were not random acts but meticulously planned heists involving stolen Volvos, precise intelligence, and a tight-knit gang.
However, the threat of violence always loomed large. While Steven emphasized control to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, there were times when violence was unavoidable. He shares harrowing tales, including a colleague terrifying a victim so much that the individual lost bodily control on the spot — a reminder of the psychological toll of these crimes.
The Flying Squad and Police Corruption
Steven reveals shocking details about Flying Squad officers during his criminal years. While tasked with tackling the gang problem, some officers were themselves involved in corruption — planting evidence, fabricating charges, and manipulating cases to secure convictions.
Steven recounts how police fabricated evidence against him after a failed armed robbery where he narrowly escaped being shot. Despite being heavily surveilled and ambushed, Steven initially escaped, only to be arrested later and have evidence planted to secure his conviction.
Serving Time: Life in Maximum Security Prisons
Facing a 17-year sentence, Steven was held in some of Britain's most notorious high-security prisons, often spending time in solitary confinement. He candidly describes the soul-crushing experience of doing "bird" (prison time), likening it to living in seven levels of hell.
Despite the brutality inside — including witnessing murders, oil attacks, and suicides — Steven's resilience kept him fighting. He refused to let the prison system break his spirit, though the toll was enormous.
Redemption and Rebuilding
After nearly 12 years inside, Steven faced a world that had changed drastically. Initially overwhelmed, he quickly adapted. Determined to never return to crime, he started rebuilding his life from scratch — working construction jobs, studying business at university, and regaining his humanity.
Steven's turning point came after a second, shorter prison sentence for firearm possession. This wake-up call led him to fully abandon crime and embrace a positive future.
Life Today: Motivational Speaker, Author, and Media Figure
Steven Gillan’s transformation is nothing short of remarkable. He became a motivational speaker, author, and documentary producer, sharing his journey to inspire others. His book, Extraordinary: A Search for a Life Worth Living, details his story and has touched countless lives.
He has since collaborated with figures like Ross Kemp on crime documentaries and is working on multiple TV and film projects. His upcoming full-length documentary is expected to hit major broadcasters, dramatizing parts of his life story — with his son portraying young Steven.
Steven’s Advice to Young People Considering Crime
When asked what advice he'd give young people tempted by a life of crime, Steven is crystal clear:
"Crime doesn't pay. It's a poor career choice. You're better off building something real with hard work and dedication."
He reminds listeners that despite appearances, crime leads to inevitable destruction: loss of freedom, broken families, wasted potential, and shattered lives.
Final Thoughts: Does Steven Gillan Have Any Regrets?
Steven admits he regrets the wasted potential of his youth and the pain he caused others. However, he also recognizes that his experiences shaped the man he is today — a man determined to make a positive difference.