Former London's Burning star John Alford, a convicted paedophile, died of ischaemic heart disease while serving an eight-and-a-half-year prison sentence, an inquest has revealed.
Discovery in Prison Cell
Alford, 54, was found unresponsive in his bed at HMP Bure near Norwich when guards attempted to wake him. Prison medics were called but could not revive him. The provisional cause of death, recorded after an inquest opening, is ischaemic heart disease, according to reports from the Sun.
This condition, which includes heart attacks and fatal arrhythmias, occurs when the heart receives insufficient oxygen-rich blood due to narrowed or blocked arteries.
Conviction and Sentence
Alford, whose real name is John Shannon, was convicted in January of sexually assaulting two teenage girls. He was found guilty of four counts of sexual activity with a 14-year-old and charges relating to a 15-year-old at a party in Hertfordshire in April 2022.
The court heard that Alford purchased £250 worth of alcohol and supplies before assaulting the girls while they were intoxicated. He sexually assaulted the younger victim in a garden and toilet, and inappropriately touched the older girl as she lay on a sofa.
During his trial, Alford denied all charges, calling the allegations "scandalous" and a "set-up" designed to "extort money" from him. He claimed to suffer from mental health issues including anxiety and depression.
Inquest and Investigation
A full inquest is scheduled for September 11 at 10am. A source told the Daily Star that enquiries are ongoing, with questions for guards and other inmates. The prison went into lockdown following the death.
"He didn't wake up in the morning," a source continued. "He was in his bed and they thought he was just asleep. But when they tried to wake him there was no response and they realised he was dead."
Authorities aim to ensure no wrongdoing occurred in connection with Alford's death.
