In a verdict that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, former child star John Alford has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two teenage girls during the height of his fame in the 1990s.
The 48-year-old actor, who rose to prominence playing Robbie Wright in the beloved BBC children's series Grange Hill before starring in ITV's London's Burning, was convicted at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday following a harrowing trial.
A Chilling Pattern Emerges
The court heard disturbing evidence of how Alford exploited his celebrity status to prey upon vulnerable young fans. One victim was just 16 years old when the actor, then in his twenties, assaulted her at his north London home after inviting her to discuss potential acting opportunities.
In a separate incident, another teenager was assaulted after being offered a lift home from a nightclub where Alford had been performing as a DJ. Both women, now adults, bravely came forward decades later to seek justice.
The Defence Unravels
Alford's legal team attempted to portray the encounters as consensual, but the jury saw through the defence after just five hours of deliberation. The prosecution successfully argued that the actor had systematically used his fame to manipulate and abuse young admirers.
Detective Constable Sarah Matthews of the Metropolitan Police praised the victims' courage, stating: "These women have lived with this trauma for decades. Their bravery in coming forward has ensured a dangerous predator has been held accountable."
From Child Star to Convicted Sex Offender
Alford's fall from grace marks a dramatic turn for the actor who became a household name through his role in Grange Hill during the late 1980s and early 1990s. His subsequent career included presenting on MTV and various acting roles, though none matched his early success.
The case continues a troubling pattern of historical abuse revelations within the entertainment industry, following high-profile convictions of other celebrities for sex crimes committed decades ago.
Judge Catherine Powell has remanded Alford in custody ahead of sentencing scheduled for October 31st. The actor now faces a substantial prison term for his crimes, bringing some measure of closure to the victims who waited nearly thirty years for justice.
