Trial of ex-London’s Burning actor for ‘child sex offences’ delayed as he’s due to be detained for mental health
THE trial of an ex-London’s Burning actor for alleged child sex offences has been delayed as he is due to be detained under the Mental Health Act.
John Alford, who also appeared on Grange Hill, is accused of targeting a girl aged under 16.
The 53-year-old – real name John Shannon – is also charged with sexually assaulting a second female.
A seven-day trial was due to begin on Monday at St Albans Crown Court but it has been delayed.
The court heard Alford was admitted to hospital with suspected abdominal issues.
Two doctors have since approved his detention under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act and he is now waiting to be moved to a secure ward, it was said.
Dr Kirsty Allen said: “At the moment he’s not technically detained because you’ve got to have a bed before you can be detained somewhere.
“He’s still in A&E until the psychiatric bed is found for him.”
Judge Bilal Siddique confirmed the trial could not go ahead without him because the actor had not chosen to be absent.
A further hearing will take place tomorrow to fix a new trial date.
The dad-of-two previously pleaded not guilty to four counts of sexual activity with a child.
He has also denied one count of sexual assault and another of sexual assault by penetration relating to the second complainant.
The Glasgow-born star played the role in the seminal BBC show for five years.
He starred alongside Simone Hyams and George Christopher and took part in the anti-drugs single Just Say No.
Between 1993 and 1998, Alford appeared in long-running drama London’s Burning as Billy Ray.
He later had a role in film Mike Bassett: England Manager, Casualty and Brit flick The Hatton Garden Job.
Alford first shot to fame as a teenager when he landed the role of Robbie Wright on Grange Hill.
Alford also enjoyed a short-lived pop career – with three singles reaching the UK Top 30.
These included debut single Smoke In Your Eyes, followed by Blue Moon and Only You.
Away from the screen, Alford worked as a scaffolder and minicab driver.