Following the terrorist attack on the afternoon of Friday 29th November 2019, it later emerged that James Ford, a convicted murderer, was among members of the public who selflessly risked their lives in tackling the London Bridge terrorist. How should society view him?

 

In 2004, Ford was convicted of brutally murdering Amanda Champion, in an unpremeditated, brutal attack, which deprived a family of their beloved daughter. Under these circumstances, one would be forgiven for considering this man evil. However, following his fearless actions on Friday, in which he risked his life to save others, the stereotype of what defines someone as good or evil has been indirectly challenged. To those who his crimes directly affected, it is understandable that he could never be deserving of redemption, however society in general cannot help but admit they owe him a debt of gratitude for his actions. Some see life as a scale, and within that spectrum of good and evil his actions belong to both extremes. Does this mean that they have offset each other and if so how should we judge him? This poses the question of whether his momentary act of heroism can supersede his past deeds or are his previous acts of terror too damaging to earn him redemption. In any other circumstances he would be labelled a hero, but because of his history can he be worthy of that title? 

Mary Walters