Grange Hill John Alford's crimes in full as he dies in prison weeks after sentencing

John Alford, the former fresh-faced star of '80s television, has died, weeks after being convicted of sexually assaulting two teenage girls.

The actor, known for his roles in London's Burning and Grange Hill and tried under his birth name John Shannon, once had a promising career stretching through the 1980s and 1990s. However his fame faded, and in January he was jailed for eight and a half years following his conviction for child sex offences.

The 54 year old former child star was found guilty on four counts of sexual activity with a child, alongside two further counts of sexual assault and assault by penetration involving a second young victim. Alford, from Hartham Road in Islington, was convicted at St Albans Crown Court on September 5 after assaulting girls aged 14 and 15 at an acquaintance's property on April 9, 2022.

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Today, it was confirmed the actor died in prison. A Prison Service spokesman told The Mirror: "John Shannon died in prison on 13 March 2026. As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate."

Alford attended Anna Scher's stage school from age 11 before securing a part in ITV sitcom Not and Then. His breakthrough came when he joined the cast of Grange Hill, taking on the character of Robbie Wright. Images from his time on the programme, which spanned five years, show him as a fresh-faced teenager. He appears in the iconic Grange Hill school uniform - a white shirt and tie paired with a blazer bearing the fictional school's emblem.

During his tenure as Robbie, he participated in the show's anti-drug campaign single, Just Say No. Alford's acting career continued into adulthood when he landed the part of Billy Ray in London's Burning, a role he held for five years. He briefly ventured into music, releasing a self-titled album that failed to make the charts. His final screen appearance came in 2017 as a prison guard in The Hatton Garden Job.

In September, he was convicted of sexually assaulting two girls, aged 14 and 15. As the guilty verdicts were delivered in court, he buried his head in his hands, protesting: "Wrong, I didn't do this!" Prosecuting barrister Julie Whitby told the court both victims were intoxicated when the assaults occurred. All offences took place at the residence of a third girl whose father was acquainted with Alford.

The actor reportedly bought around £250 worth of food, booze and cigarettes from a nearby petrol station in the early hours, including a bottle of vodka which was consumed by the teenagers. Alford then engaged in sexual activity with the younger girl in the garden and later in a downstairs loo. He also allegedly touched the 15-year-old inappropriately as she dozed off on the sofa.

A third-party report was lodged with the police by the mother of the 15-year-old girl on 11 April 2022, as previously informed to the jury. The actor was arrested the next day after both girls were interviewed.

In his statement to the police, Alford claimed that one of the girls "kept on trying to kiss me" and had told him she was 17. He insisted: "At no point did I touch her in any sexual way whatsoever."

The court heard that upon his arrest, he told the police: "This stinks. This is a set-up." Alford denied the allegations and maintained during his trial at St Albans Crown Court that he "never touched" either of the girls.

The two girls who made the accusations claimed they were assaulted by the actor at a residence in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire in April 2022. The jury was informed that the girls attended a "bit of a party" at a friend's house of Alford.

The 14-year-old girl alleged that she had sex with Alford in the garden and in a toilet. To this, Alford responded in court: "It didn't happen. No." The 15-year-old claimed the actor sexually touched her. Alford insisted he "never touched either of them girls".

Detective Laura Harrison, from Hertfordshire Constabulary's Sexual Offences Investigation Team, commented: "Throughout this trial, Shannon consistently denied any sexual activity and maintained that the two child victims were attempting to extort him for money-despite the fact that neither child knew who Shannon was, nor that he was an actor, as they were born long after his career began. At no point did Shannon accept responsibility, admit guilt, or show any remorse for his actions.

"There is no doubt that Shannon's behaviour that evening was predatory and carried out solely for his own sexual gratification. Reporting offences of this nature is never easy. I want to commend the victims for their courage in coming forward and for the strength they have shown throughout this lengthy and complex investigation. Their determination has never wavered, and this is testament to their bravery."

Both victims submitted impact statements which were presented by a judge during the court proceedings before sentencing. The court was told that the 14-year-old victim, dressed in pyjamas, a vest top and knickers, informed police that Alford was older than her father.

In her victim impact statement, she said: "I'm the victim of penetrative sexual assault. Being sexually assaulted has affected my family in every way."

The teenager explained she had to attend a sexual health examination, though it couldn't be finished as it caused her unbearable pain.

She was also administered the morning after pill and required injections to protect against HIV and other infections, which left her with bruising. She said: "I was scared people were going to notice and wonder why I had them."

She added: "I had so much shame about the incident. I didn't want to tell anyone."

The girl revealed she eventually confided in her brother, who informed her parents, including her father who tried to console her. She said: "My dad hugged me, but I didn't feel comfortable with it because he was a man. It has affected me severely with school. I didn't care about my GCSEs as this was the only thing that mattered. I wasn't bothered about my personal hygiene or appearance. I was just existing."

She continued: "I've become protective of my friends and any girl I see. I'm always on the look out for a man doing something wrong. What happened to me will be with me forever, but I won't let it change me."

The young woman revealed she now avoids alcohol as it brings back memories of that evening.

She added: "I remember what John smelled like.

"I was getting flashbacks. I've been getting dreams. I'm convinced he's going to come through my door," she said. "I also find it hard being intimate with my boyfriend because of this."

The teenager went on: "The assault by John has completely changed my perspective on life. It has made me look very differently at the world and I now have worries for my life and my future children. I will not let this assault define me, but it has been constantly in my mind."

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