Former Grange Hill actor found guilty of sexual assault against girls.

According to The Sun: Former actor of the show 'London’s Burning' has been found guilty of sexual offenses against two girls during a party.

John Alford, also known for his role in 'Grange Hill', attempted to get the girls who were under 16 years old drunk by buying them vodka.

Case Details

The 53-year-old Alford, whose real name is John Shannon, engaged in sexual relations with one girl when she was 14 years old, in a garden and a toilet. He also had intercourse with another teenager who at that time was 15 years old, and there was no doubt that both girls were minors.

Alford received four charges of sexual contacts with the younger girl, as well as charges of sexual assault and intrusion regarding the second.

“I didn't do it, I didn't do it,” he shouted from the dock during the sentencing announcement.

All the crimes occurred on April 9, 2022, as reported by the court in St Albans.

Circumstances of the Evening

Both girls went to a friend's house after visiting a pub, where a 'small party' was taking place. Alford was also at the pub with the father of a third girl. Afterward, he left the house and returned with a bottle of vodka, cigarettes, and food.

When they were alone, the actor suggested that the younger girl sit on his lap, he began to kiss and touch her.

“Basically, if an adult asks you to do something, you do it... especially if you're drunk or under the influence,” she testified.

Alford also touched another girl, who stated that after the incident she felt 'terrible'.

Response of the Girls

After the attack, she immediately took a shower, trying to calm down, and initially did not speak about the incident as she had drunk 'quite a bit of vodka'. But two days later, during a meeting with a friend, she decided to tell everything.

“I had a mental breakdown at my friend's mom's house in the garden, and she called my mom,” she added.

Alford, crying while giving testimony, denied the accusations, claiming that he 'never touched' either girl.

“I am accused of the most horrible crime one can be accused of. I did nothing inappropriate,” he commented.

Among his previous offenses is drug supply. Alford became popular as a teenager, playing the role of Robbie Wright in 'Grange Hill', and also participated in the series 'London’s Burning' and released three singles that reached the UK Top 30.

This case draws attention not only due to the accusations but also due to who Alford was in the past. His career in television and music was quite successful, but now it is under threat due to serious offenses. Society is forced to refocus on issues of child protection and the responsibility of adults who may abuse their power.