London's Burning actor John Alford found dead in prison aged 54
Alford, 54, was jailed for eight-and-a-half years in January for sexually assaulting two teenage girls
Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault which some readers may find distressing.
Former London’s Burning actor John Alford has died in prison months after being jailed for sexually assaulting two teenage girls.
The 54-year-old, real name John Shannon, was handed an eight-and-a-half year sentence in January for sex offences against children in 2022.
A Prison Service spokesman said Alford died at HMP Bure in Norfolk on Friday (13 March).
"As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate," they added.
Alford rose to fame on BBC's Grange Hill, and went on to play Billy Ray in ITV drama London's Burning in the 90s.
During trial, the court heard that on 9 April 2022, two girls aged 14 and 15 were having a sleepover at a friend's house in Hoddesdon when Alford arrived at the property drunk as a guest of the homeowner.
"After purchasing and supplying the victims with alcohol, Shannon then lured one of the victims into sexual intercourse on two occasions," Hertfordshire Constabulary said.
"He also sexually assaulted the second victim twice whilst she was falling asleep on the sofa.
"Shannon completely denied all charges put to him."
Lawyer Chris White, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said at the time: “John Shannon was fully aware of the girl’s ages, yet he chose to exploit them – giving them alcohol and then committing sexual offences against them.
“We commend the victims for reporting what happened.
“They were supported to give evidence against Shannon.
“Their statements were recorded and played to the jury during the trial, and we arranged for screens to be provided so they did not have to face the defendant during cross examination.”
Investigator Laura Harrison, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team, added: “I want to praise the bravery of our two victims for coming forward and reporting John Shannon’s horrific crimes to police.
“Shannon has not shown any of signs of remorse, from his interviews in custody, to the trial which his victims had to endure.
“I hope that our victims are now able to move on in their lives knowing that Shannon will now be spending a considerable amount of time behind bars.”
Alford was convicted of Count 1 and 2 of sexual activity with a child, Count 3 and 4 of penetrative sexual activity with a child, Count 5 of assault by penetration, and Count 6 of sexual assault.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.
Featured Image Credit: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire
Anish Vij