John Alford, known for his roles in London’s Burning and Grange Hill, has died in prison weeks after being convicted of sexually assaulting two underage girls
The former London’s Burning actor and convicted sex offender John Alford has been discovered dead in prison just weeks after being given his sentence for abusing two underage girls.
Alford, who was born in Glasgow, was discovered lifeless in his bed on Friday (March 13) when prison officers unlocked his cell at Category C HMP Bure in Norfolk. Before his passing, the 54 year old had been convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl at a sleepover in a friend’s residence over the Easter break, reports the Daily Star.
Following a week-long trial and more than 13 hours of jury deliberations at St Albans Crown Court, Alford was found guilty on all counts. The actor, charged under his birth name John Shannon, buried his face in his hands and cried out “wrong, I didn’t do this” from the dock as the guilty verdicts were delivered.
Alford, recognised for his role in the BBC school drama Grange Hill during the 1980s, would later achieve prominence portraying Fireman Billy Ray in London’s Burning throughout the 1990s.
A source speaking to the Sun said: “He didn’t wake up in the morning. He was in his bed and they thought he was just asleep.
“But when they tried to wake him there was no response and they realised he was dead.”
Alford secured the part of rebel Robbie Wright on BBC’s Grange Hill aged just 13. During his stint on the 80s BBC programme, Alford was part of the cast that participated in its anti-drugs campaign.
However, towards the end of his time on Grange Hill, Alford confessed to consuming up to 18 bottles of beer and nine shots of spirits each night.
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