Former television actor John Alford has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison for sexually assaulting two teenage girls. The 54-year-old, best known for his role in ITV's London's Burning, was found guilty of attacking the girls, aged 14 and 15, while they were intoxicated at a party in Hertfordshire.
The Details of the Assault
The offences took place in April 2022 at the home of a friend, whose father was acquainted with Alford. The court at St Albans Crown Court heard how Alford had purchased food, alcohol, and cigarettes from a petrol station in the early hours, including a bottle of vodka which the victims consumed.
Alford had intercourse with the 14-year-old girl in the garden and a downstairs toilet. He also inappropriately touched the 15-year-old victim while she was half asleep on a sofa. The older girl later described feeling "absolutely sick" and initially planned to keep the assault a secret, but suffered a "mental breakdown" and confided in her friend's mother days later.
Trial and Sentencing
Alford, who was charged under his real name John Shannon, denied all charges. He claimed the accusations were a "set up" and that the girls intended to "extort money from him". He was found guilty in September on four counts of sexual activity with a child and sexual assault and assault by penetration of the 15-year-old.
When the verdicts were delivered, Alford put his head in his hand and shouted, "Wrong, I didn't do this". At the sentencing hearing on Wednesday 14 January 2026, the impact on the victims was laid bare. The younger girl submitted a written statement saying the assault had "affected me and my family in every way". The 15-year-old stated that Alford had "destroyed my mental wellbeing".
A Career in the Spotlight
John Alford first rose to fame as a teenager in the BBC children's series Grange Hill before securing his most prominent role as firefighter Billy Ray in the popular drama London's Burning. His fall from grace culminated in the lengthy prison sentence handed down this week.
The judge emphasised the severity of exploiting vulnerable, intoxicated young people. All offences were committed in a home where the defendant was a guest, representing a profound breach of trust. The eight-and-a-half year term reflects the gravity of the crimes against the two teenagers.
