Trial of former London’s Burning actor accused of sex offences set for next year

The trial of former London’s Burning actor John Alford, who has been charged with sex offences involving two alleged victims, has been set for next year.

The 53-year-old, who first found fame in Grange Hill, is accused of four counts of sexual activity with a child, and two counts relating to a second female – of sexual assault and assault by penetration.

Alford, of Holloway, north London, has previously denied the charges.

A five-day trial for the former actor, who is charged under his real name John Shannon, will begin at St Albans Crown Court on August 26 next year.

The trial had been listed to start this month, but on Wednesday a consultant in liaison psychiatry told the court he had been admitted to hospital and was medically unwell.

There were two medical recommendations for Section 2 of the Mental Health Act, but at that stage he had not yet been detained as there was no bed available.

The court heard on Friday that he had been detained and given a psychiatric bed.

A mention hearing was set at the same court for December 20.