An investigation has been launched into the death of actor John Alford, who died in prison two months into an eight-and-a-half-year sentence for sexually assaulting two teenage girls. Alford, 54, was found dead at HMP Bure in Norfolk on Friday, the Prison Service confirmed.
Alford, whose real name was John Shannon, was convicted in January of four counts of sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl and charges of sexual assault and assault by penetration relating to a 15-year-old girl. The assaults occurred during a party at a friend’s home in Hertfordshire in 2022, after the victims had been drinking alcohol he provided.
The cause of death has not been released. A Prison Service spokesperson said: “As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.” Current thinking suggests no one else was involved.
Alford was best known for playing firefighter Billy Ray in the ITV drama London’s Burning, a role he held for six series from 1992. He also appeared as Robbie Wright in the BBC school series Grange Hill from 1985 to 1989.
During his trial at St Albans Crown Court, Alford denied the allegations, calling them “scandalous” and a “setup”. The court heard he had previous convictions dating back to 1999, including for drug supply, disorderly behaviour, and drink driving.
