Former television actor John Alford, well known for his roles in the BBC drama Grange Hill and ITV’s London’s Burning, was found guilty on Friday, September 5, 2025, of sexually assaulting two teenage girls during a party at a friend’s home in Hertfordshire. The verdict, delivered at St Albans Crown Court after a week-long trial and more than 13 hours of jury deliberations, marks a dramatic and disturbing turn in the life of the 53-year-old performer, whose real name is John Shannon.
According to BBC News and corroborated by local and national outlets, Alford was convicted of four counts of sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl and additional charges of sexual assault and assault by penetration relating to a 15-year-old girl. The offences occurred on the night of April 9, 2022, at the home of a third girl, whose father was a friend of Alford’s. The two victims were at a sleepover when the events unfolded.
During the trial, it was revealed that Alford, appearing under his legal name John Shannon, arrived at the property intoxicated. He purchased approximately £250 worth of food, alcohol, and cigarettes from a nearby petrol station in the early hours of the morning, including a bottle of vodka that the victims later consumed. Jurors heard that after a night out at a pub, the girls were left in a vulnerable state, and it was under these circumstances that Alford committed the offences.
Testimony established that Alford lured the 14-year-old girl into sexual intercourse on two occasions—first in the garden and later in a downstairs toilet. He also inappropriately touched the 15-year-old girl as she lay half asleep on the living room sofa. Prosecuting barrister Julie Whitby told the court that both girls were drunk when the incidents occurred, emphasizing their vulnerability and the predatory nature of Alford’s actions.
Alford denied all charges throughout the proceedings, maintaining his innocence and insisting that he was the victim of an extortion plot. As the jury’s verdicts were read aloud, Alford put his head in his hands and shouted, "Wrong, I didn’t do this" from the dock, a moment reported by ITV News, Manchester Evening News, and other outlets. During his testimony, Alford told jurors, "I don't lose my morals no matter how drunk I am. I have been accused of the most horrific crime anyone can ever be accused of. I didn't do anything inappropriate." Despite his protestations, the jury was unanimous in convicting him on all counts.
The investigation into Alford’s conduct began in April 2022, when Hertfordshire Constabulary’s specialist Sexual Offences Investigation Team (SOIT) received reports from the two victims. Alford was arrested on April 11, 2022, and subsequently charged on July 16, 2023. He pleaded not guilty at a preliminary hearing in September 2023, setting the stage for the high-profile trial that concluded this week.
Investigator Laura Harrison, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s SOIT, spoke candidly about the case following the verdict. "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."
Harrison also commended the courage of the victims, saying, "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."
The impact of the crimes and the subsequent trial has not gone unnoticed by child protection advocates. A spokesperson for the NSPCC, the UK’s leading children’s charity, praised the victims for their bravery: "The girls who were sexually abused by Shannon (known as Alford) have shown great courage in giving evidence against him, ensuring that he faced justice for his crimes. Child sexual abuse can have a devastating and long-lasting impact and it’s vital that victims have the confidence that if they speak out they will be listened to, no matter who the offender is and how much time has passed. Those who have suffered sexual abuse must have access to the support they need to recover and move forward with their lives." The NSPCC also reminded the public of resources such as Childline and its confidential helplines for both children and adults.
Alford’s conviction has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community and beyond, raising questions about trust, responsibility, and the importance of safeguarding young people. The fact that the victims did not know Alford’s identity as a former actor—having been born long after his career highlights—underscores the reality that sexual abuse is rarely about celebrity or notoriety, but rather about power and vulnerability.
The case has also highlighted the vital work of specialized police units such as Hertfordshire’s SOIT, which provide not only investigative expertise but also support for victims navigating the legal process. Services like Beacon, Hertfordshire’s Victim Care Centre, offer confidential assistance to those affected by crime, staffed by professionals from both the police and independent organizations like Catch 22. These resources, together with national helplines, are crucial lifelines for survivors seeking justice and healing.
Looking ahead, Alford is scheduled to be sentenced for all six offences on December 5, 2025. The severity of the charges and the jury’s unanimous verdict suggest that a significant custodial sentence is likely. For the victims and their families, the conviction represents a measure of justice, though the emotional scars may linger for years to come.
For many observers, the case serves as a painful reminder of the need for vigilance, education, and robust support systems to protect children from sexual abuse—regardless of the perpetrator’s background or public profile. The bravery of the victims in coming forward, and the dedication of investigators and advocates, have ensured that this story will not be forgotten—and that, perhaps, others will be inspired to seek help and justice in their own lives.
Alford’s fall from grace is a sobering moment for those who once admired his television work, but it is the resilience of the victims and the determination of those who supported them that will resonate most strongly as the community seeks to move forward.
