Former ‘London’s Burning‘ and ‘Grange Hill‘ Actor Jailed for Sexual Assaults
London, UK – John Alford, known for his roles in the British television series London’s Burning and Grange Hill, has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting two teenage girls. The offenses occurred at a party in Hertfordshire in April 2022, when Alford was 54 years old.
The court heard that Alford, legally named John Shannon, was found guilty of four counts of sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl, as well as charges of sexual assault and assault by penetration against a 15-year-old girl. The assaults took place while the girls were intoxicated, following an evening at a local pub. The incident occurred at the home of a friend’s daughter.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence showing Alford purchased alcohol, including a bottle of vodka consumed by the victims. The 14-year-old girl testified that she was assaulted in the garden and a downstairs toilet, while the 15-year-old was inappropriately touched while sleeping on a sofa.
Alford maintained his innocence, claiming the allegations were fabricated and lacked DNA evidence. He suggested the girls were attempting to extort money from him and cited his own struggles with mental health, including anxiety, depression, and paranoia.
Though, the jury found him guilty, and the victims shared powerful statements detailing the lasting impact of the assaults. The younger victim stated the abuse had “affected me and my family in every way,” while the older victim said Alford “destroyed my mental wellbeing.”
The judge, Recorder Caroline Overton, noted Alford’s lack of remorse and focus on the impact to himself and his family during sentencing. In addition to the prison term,alford will be subject to a restraining order and a sexual harm prevention order.
This is not Alford’s first criminal conviction. In 1999, he was jailed for nine months for supplying illicit drugs to a journalist posing as a wealthy buyer.He also previously received a £500,000 settlement related to phone hacking allegations.
Chris White of the Crown Prosecution Service commended the victims for coming forward and emphasized the message that those who exploit young people will be prosecuted.
Support Resources:
If you have been affected by sexual assault, support is available. You can contact the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/, or visit Rape Crisis Help.
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