Convicted paedophile and former television actor John Alford reportedly placed a bet on a horse shortly before his death in prison, according to recent reports. Alford, 54, was found unresponsive at HMP Bure in Norfolk on Friday, with the Prison Service confirming his passing.
Criminal Conviction and Sentencing
In January, Alford received an eight-and-a-half-year prison sentence after being found guilty of sexually assaulting two teenage girls. The offences occurred during a party at a friend's home in Hertfordshire on April 9, 2022.
The former actor, known for his roles in BBC drama Grange Hill and London's Burning, was convicted of four counts of sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl. He also faced charges of sexual assault and assault by penetration relating to a 15-year-old girl.
Details of the Final Bet
Reports indicate that Alford requested a bet be placed on the horse Johnny's Jury at the Cheltenham Festival just prior to his death. The 20/1 outsider went on to win the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle on Friday, the same day Alford was discovered unresponsive in his cell.
According to sources, a friend of Alford posted on Facebook revealing that "John liked a bet" and had requested the wager be placed on his behalf. The friend reportedly questioned why Alford would organize such a bet if he had been contemplating ending his own life.
Trial Proceedings and Victim Testimony
During the trial, jurors heard that Alford, charged under his real name John Shannon, sexually assaulted the girls while they were intoxicated following a night out at a pub. Police received a third-party report from the 15-year-old victim's mother two days after the incident, leading to Alford's arrest.
The 15-year-old victim testified that she felt "absolutely sick" following the assault and had initially planned to keep the incident secret. She described having a "mental breakdown" to her friend's mother on April 11, 2022.
Defense Arguments and Denials
Throughout the trial, Alford maintained his innocence, describing all allegations as "scandalous" and a "set-up." He argued that no DNA evidence supported the assault claims and told police the girls intended to "extort money" from him.
Alford also disclosed suffering from mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and paranoia. When the guilty verdicts were delivered, he put his head in his hands and shouted, "wrong, I didn't do this."
Prosecutor Chris White told the jury during the September trial: "John Shannon was fully aware of the girls' ages, yet he chose to exploit them – giving them alcohol and then committing sexual offences against them."
The case highlights the serious nature of sexual offences against minors and the complex circumstances surrounding Alford's final days in prison. The Prison Service has confirmed the death but has not released further details about the circumstances.
