- Former actor John Alford has been convicted of sexually assaulting two teenage girls during a house party in Hertfordshire in April 2022.
- The 53-year-old, known for roles in London’s Burning and Grange Hill, was found guilty of multiple charges including sexual activity with a 14-year-old and assault involving a 15-year-old.
- The incidents occurred while the girls were intoxicated, and the verdict was delivered after a week-long trial at St Albans Crown Court. Alford, who stood trial under his legal name John Shannon, denied all allegations but was convicted on all counts.
John Alford, once a familiar face on British television, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two underage girls during a party in Hertfordshire. The incidents took place in April 2022 at a friend’s house in Hoddesdon, where the actor—charged under his legal name, John Shannon—was accused of engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old and assaulting a 15-year-old.
The trial, held at St Albans Crown Court, revealed that both girls had consumed alcohol during the gathering. Alford, who was 53 at the time, was left alone with the teens in the early hours of the morning after other guests had gone to bed. Evidence presented in court detailed how he had intercourse with the younger girl in the garden and later in a downstairs toilet. The older girl reported being touched inappropriately while lying on a sofa.
Jurors deliberated for more than 13 hours before reaching a verdict. Alford reacted emotionally in court, maintaining his innocence and disputing the charges. However, the jury convicted him on all six counts, including sexual activity with a child, sexual assault, and assault by penetration.
Alford rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s, playing Billy Ray in London’s Burning and Robbie Wright in Grange Hill. His career had already faced setbacks following a previous conviction related to drug offenses. This latest ruling is expected to mark a definitive end to his public life.
The case has drawn attention to the vulnerability of minors in social settings and the responsibilities of adults in safeguarding them. Legal proceedings are expected to continue as sentencing approaches.
