Former TV actor John Alford, known for his roles in Grange Hill and London’s Burning, has been sentenced to eight and a half years in prison. Alford, using his real name John Shannon during the trial, was convicted in September of sexually assaulting two teenage girls at a party in April 2022. Despite denying the accusations during the trial, Alford, 54, showed distress upon hearing the guilty verdict.
Investigator Laura Harrison of Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team commended the victims for their bravery in reporting Shannon’s crimes. She emphasized that Shannon displayed no remorse throughout the process. Lawyer Chris White from the Crown Prosecution Service highlighted Shannon’s deliberate exploitation of the underage girls for his own gratification.
Alford, also known as John Shannon, received an eight-year and six-month prison sentence along with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a Restraining Order, and indefinite registration on the sex offenders list. The sentencing judge imposed various restrictions on Alford, including limitations on contact with females under 18 without consent.
Alford’s fall from grace culminated in his conviction for multiple counts of sexual activity with a child, penetrative sexual activity, assault by penetration, and sexual assault at the party. The court heard disturbing details of the assaults, including Alford’s inappropriate actions towards the victims.
Recorder Caroline Overton stated that Alford would serve at least two-thirds of the sentence before being eligible for release on license. She emphasized the severity of the crimes and the impact on the victims, underscoring the necessity of immediate custody.
Alford’s barrister mentioned his client’s ADHD diagnosis and struggles with alcohol dependency. The court also heard victim impact statements detailing the profound emotional and physical toll the assaults had on the girls.
Throughout the trial, Alford maintained his innocence, claiming the victims were attempting to extort money from him. Despite the guilty verdict, Alford continued to deny any wrongdoing. The victims’ courage in coming forward was praised as a testament to their strength amid the challenging investigation.
Alford’s once-promising acting career, which included roles in popular TV shows and films, now stands overshadowed by his criminal actions. His sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of exploiting vulnerable individuals for personal gain.