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. The 54-year-old, best known for his role as firefighter Billy Ray in ITV's London's Burning, 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, as well as sexual assault and assault by penetration relating to a 15-year-old girl. The offences took place at a property in Hertfordshire in 2022, during a party at a friend's home.
St Albans Crown Court heard that Alford bought £250 worth of alcohol and food, including a bottle of vodka, which the victims drank. He later had sex with the 14-year-old in the garden and a downstairs toilet, and inappropriately touched the 15-year-old as she lay half-asleep on a sofa. The 15-year-old told the court she felt “absolutely sick” and had a “mental breakdown” before disclosing the assault.
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.” The cause of death has not been released, but sources indicated that no one else is believed to have been involved.
Alford, who also appeared as Robbie Wright in BBC's Grange Hill from 1985 to 1989, had previous convictions including drug supply, disorderly behaviour, and drink driving. He claimed his drug conviction led to being “blacklisted” as an actor.
