Former television actor John Alford, best known for his role in London’s Burning, is standing trial accused of sexually abusing two underage girls at a house party in Hertfordshire. The 53-year-old, from Holloway in north London, faces four charges of sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl and two further counts involving a 15-year-old, including sexual assault and assault by penetration. He denies all allegations.
Prosecutors told St Albans Crown Court that the incidents allegedly took place on 9 April 2022 during what was described as “a bit of a party” at a private home. Both teenagers had been drinking when the defendant arrived, and it is alleged that the assaults took place after alcohol was consumed. Jurors heard that the younger girl later claimed Alford had sex with her on more than one occasion that evening despite her protests.
The allegations first came to light two days later when the mother of the 15-year-old contacted police to report concerns about what her daughter had disclosed. Investigators subsequently interviewed both alleged victims, leading to the charges brought against Alford, who appears in court under his real name, John Shannon.
In a statement to police, Alford denied any misconduct, claiming that one of the girls had repeatedly tried to kiss him and had said she was 17. He further alleged that both teenagers had attempted to extort money from him, though prosecutors told the court that no evidence was found on their phones or his to support this claim.
The trial, which began this week, is continuing with further evidence expected to be heard in the coming day
