Former television actor John Alford, best known for his role in the ITV drama London's Burning, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for his part in a conspiracy to supply cocaine.
Court Details and Co-Defendant
Alford, 52, appeared at St Albans Crown Court where he received a 30-month custodial sentence. He had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply a Class A drug, namely cocaine.
His co-defendant, 57-year-old Stephen Gingell from St Albans, was also sentenced for the same offence. Gingell received a longer sentence of four years and eight months. The court heard that the conspiracy took place between October 2022 and February 2023.
Police Investigation and Arrest
The Hertfordshire Police investigation, named Operation Quin, led to the arrests. Officers from the Serious and Organised Crime Command gathered evidence linking both men to the plot.
Alford, whose address was listed in court as Park Street, St Albans, was arrested as part of the probe. The police operation successfully dismantled this local drug supply network.
Acting Career and Aftermath
John Alford rose to fame playing firefighter Billy Ray in the popular series London's Burning during the 1990s. He also had a brief pop music career and appeared on other television shows.
This conviction marks a significant fall from grace for the former public figure. The judge's sentence reflects the seriousness with which the courts treat involvement in the supply of Class A drugs.
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police stated the sentence should serve as a warning that those involved in drug supply will be pursued and brought to justice.
