Actor John Alford, known for his roles in the TV dramas London's Burning and Grange Hill, has died in prison two months after being sentenced to eight-and-a-half years for sexually assaulting two teenage girls. According to multiple reports, Alford, whose real name was John Shannon, passed away at HMP Bure in Norfolk on 13 March 2026.
Key Takeaways
Actor John Alford has died in prison two months after being sentenced for sexually assaulting two teenage girls. He was known for his roles in London's Burning and Grange Hill.
- Actor John Alford dies at HMP Bure, Norfolk
- Sentenced to eight-and-a-half years for sexual assault of two teenagers
- Convicted under real name John Shannon
- Prison Service confirms death on 13 March 2026
Alford was convicted last September under his real name of four counts of sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl and charges of sexual assault and penetration against a 15-year-old. The offenses occurred at a friend's home in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, during April 2022. During the trial, it was revealed that Alford had provided alcohol to the girls before committing the acts.
The actor had previously been convicted of drug-related offenses in 1997 and served nine months for supplying cocaine and cannabis. Despite his denials at trial, he was found guilty on all counts this year. Upon hearing the verdicts, Alford reportedly put his head in his hands and shouted 'wrong, I didn't do this'.
The Prison Service has confirmed that an investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will be conducted into Alford's death. The news of his passing was met with a mix of reactions from those familiar with his work in television.
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