The trial of former London’s Burning actor John Alford, who is accused of child sex offences, has been delayed as he is due to be detained under the Mental Health Act. Alford, who also appeared on Grange Hill, is facing charges of targeting a girl under the age of 16 and sexually assaulting a second female. The trial was set to begin at St Albans Crown Court but has been postponed as Alford was admitted to the hospital with suspected abdominal issues. Two doctors have approved his detention under the Mental Health Act and he is awaiting transfer to a secure ward.
The delay in the trial was announced as Judge Bilal Siddique confirmed that the trial could not proceed without Alford, who had not chosen to be absent. A new trial date will be determined at a further hearing. Alford has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, which include four counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of sexual assault. The Glasgow-born actor gained fame through his role in London’s Burning, where he starred for five years alongside Simone Hyams and George Christopher. He also appeared in other TV shows, movies, and had a brief pop career with three singles reaching the UK Top 30.
Alford first rose to prominence as a teenager when he played Robbie Wright on Grange Hill. He later appeared in London’s Burning from 1993 to 1998, portraying the character Billy Ray. Alongside his acting career, Alford worked as a scaffolder and minicab driver. Despite his successful career, the actor has faced legal troubles in recent years, with the current allegations of child sex offences being the latest development. The delay in the trial due to Alford’s admission to the hospital and subsequent detention under the Mental Health Act has caused further uncertainty in the legal proceedings.
The allegations against Alford are serious and have garnered media attention due to his previous acting roles and public profile. The delay in the trial has raised questions about the impact on the victims, the legal process, and Alford’s mental health condition. The actor’s denial of the charges and his past contributions to the entertainment industry have added complexity to the case. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on ensuring a fair trial, justice for the victims, and support for Alford’s mental health needs. The trial delay underscores the challenges in addressing cases of alleged child sex offences and the importance of a thorough and impartial legal process.
