Former Grange Hill actor John Alford is set to stand trial next month for alleged sexual offences against underage girls, following an investigation by Herts police.

The 51-year-old from Islington will appear at St Albans Crown Court on December 2, under his real name John Shannon, and is charged with the following offences:

  • Two counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with girl under the age of 16
  • Two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16
  • Assaulting a female 13 and over by penetration with part of body
  • Sexual assault on a female

The charges followed an investigation by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s specialist Sexual Offences Investigation Team into a report of sexual offences allegedly committed in April 2022.

He pleaded not guilty to all six charges at St Albans Crown court on September 26, 2023.

Alford rose to fame as playing Robert "Robbie" Wright in the BBC children's drama Grange Hill from 1985 to 1990, before starring in ITV series London's Burning from 1993 to 1998.

He also had three Top 30 hits on the UK Singles Chart in 1996, following the release of his self-titled studio album.