THE TRIAL of a former London Burning actor for alleged child sex offenses has been postponed as he was due to be detained under the Mental Health Act.
John Alford, who also appeared at Grange Hill, was charged with assaulting a girl under 16.
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John Alford, pictured at a previous court hearing, has been charged with child sexual abuse Credit: David New – The Sun
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The star appeared at London’s BurningCredit: ITV
The 53-year-old – real name John Shannon – is also accused of sexually assaulting another woman.
The seven-day trial was due to start on Monday at St Albans Crown Court but was postponed.
The court heard that Alford was admitted to hospital with suspected abdominal problems.
Two doctors have since authorized his detention under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act and he is now waiting to be moved to a secure ward, it said.
dr. Kirsty Allen said: “At the moment he’s not technically in custody because you have to have a bed before they can keep you somewhere.
“He’s still in the emergency room until a psychiatric bed can be found for him.”
Judge Bilal Siddique confirmed that the trial could not continue without him as the actor had not chosen to be absent.
A further hearing will be held tomorrow to set a new trial date.
The father of two previously pleaded not guilty to four counts of sexual relations with a child.
He also denied one count of sexual assault and one count of penetrative sexual assault against another complainant.
Between 1993 and 1998, Glasgow-born Alford appeared in the long-running drama London’s Burning as Billy Ray.
He starred alongside Simone Hyams and George Christopher and took part in the anti-drug single Just Say No.
He later had roles in Mike Bassett: England Manager, Casualty and the British film The Hatton Garden Job.
Alford first rose to fame as a teenager when he was cast as Robbie Wright in Grange Hill.
He also enjoyed a short-lived pop career – with three singles reaching the UK Top 30.
This includes debut single Smoke In Your Eyes, followed by Blue Moon and Only You.
Away from the screen, Alford worked as a scaffolder and mini-taki driver.
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Alford as Robbie of Grange Hill, left, with George Christopher as Ziggy Credit: Alamy
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