By Our Correspondent

National News – Former TV actor John Alford, best known for his roles in Grange Hill and London’s Burning, has died in prison at the age of 54.

Alford, whose real name was John Shannon, passed away at HMP Bure in Norfolk, just two months after being sentenced for sexually assaulting two teenage girls.

Prison authorities confirmed the death and said the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will carry out a full investigation into the circumstances.

Alford, from Holloway, north London, faced trial at St Albans Crown Court in September 2025.

The court heard that he provided alcohol to the 14- and 15-year-old girls at a friend’s house in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, before committing sexual offences.

He was found guilty of multiple counts, including sexual activity with a minor and assault by penetration.

At sentencing on 14 January 2026, Recorder Caroline Overton highlighted the severe and lasting impact of his actions on the victims.

Alford’s acting career began in 1985 with the BBC children’s series Grange Hill, where he played Robbie Wright until 1989.

His breakthrough role came in 1993 on ITV’s London’s Burning, portraying firefighter Billy Ray. The show significantly raised his public profile, later leading to a brief pop career.

However, his career was marred by legal troubles, including a 1997 conviction for supplying cocaine and cannabis to an undercover journalist, which resulted in a nine-month prison sentence.

During the trial, prosecutor Chris White emphasized that Alford knowingly exploited the teenagers, providing them alcohol before committing the assaults.

Alford denied all allegations and reacted with disbelief at the verdict, putting his head in his hands and protesting, “Wrong, I didn’t do this.”

His death in custody has raised further attention on prison safety and oversight, with investigations now underway to determine the exact circumstances.