Trial of Former London’s Burning Actor John Alford for Sex Offences Delayed to 2025

The legal proceedings against John Alford, a former actor known for his role in London’s Burning, concerning sex offences involving two individuals, have been scheduled for the upcoming year. The 53-year-old, who gained initial recognition in Grange Hill, faces four charges of sexual activity with a child and two charges related to a second female, specifically sexual assault and assault by penetration. These charges resulted from an investigation conducted by Hertfordshire Police. Mr. Alford, residing in Holloway, north London, has previously entered pleas of not guilty to the accusations. A five-day trial for the former actor, identified by his real name John Shannon in court documents, is now slated to commence at St Albans Crown Court on August 26, 2025. The trial was originally set to begin this month; however, on Wednesday, a consultant in liaison psychiatry informed the court that Mr. Alford had been admitted to hospital and was experiencing medical unwellness. On Friday, the court was apprised that he had been detained under the Mental Health Act and subsequently allocated a psychiatric bed. A mention hearing has been scheduled at the same court for December 20.