Actor John Alford, known for his roles in Grange Hill and London Burning, was discovered deceased in his prison cell by authorities, as per recent reports. Previously convicted of sexually assaulting two teenage girls, Alford was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison in January.
Reports emerged last night confirming Alford’s passing at the age of 54 while in custody at Category C HMP Bure near Norwich. Prison staff found him unresponsive in his cell on Friday, prompting immediate medical attention.
According to a source cited by The Sun on Sunday, Alford was found motionless in bed, appearing as if asleep. However, upon attempting to rouse him, it became evident that he had passed away.
The former actor was found guilty of engaging in sexual activities with a 14-year-old girl and faced additional charges of sexual assault and penetration involving a 15-year-old girl at a residence in Hertfordshire on April 9, 2022.
During the trial at St Albans Crown Court, it was revealed that Alford had purchased items including food, alcohol, and cigarettes from a nearby petrol station, including vodka consumed by the victims. Subsequently, he engaged in sexual acts with the 14-year-old in the garden and a downstairs toilet, while also inappropriately touching the 15-year-old as she was partially asleep on a sofa.
Following a report by the 15-year-old girl’s mother, police arrested Alford two days later. Testifying in court, the 15-year-old described feeling deeply disturbed after the incident, eventually confiding in her friend’s mother due to emotional distress.
Alford vehemently denied the accusations during the trial, labeling them as baseless and alleging a conspiracy against him. He highlighted the absence of DNA evidence to support the claims, asserting that the girls intended to extort money from him. Alford also disclosed struggling with mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and paranoia.
Notably, Alford had a prior conviction for supplying illegal substances to former News of the World journalist Mazher Mahmood, resulting in a nine-month jail term in 1999. Jurors learned that Alford received a substantial payment of £500,000 from the news outlet related to phone hacking allegations.
Alford’s involvement with Mahmood began when he was lured to meet a counterfeit Arabian prince at London’s Savoy hotel in 1997, under the false pretense of securing acting opportunities and public appearances. Subsequently, Alford was asked to procure cocaine for the individual.
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