A TRIAL for a ex-London’s Burning star accused of child sex offences has been delayed after he was taken to hospital.
John Alford, who also appeared on Grange Hill, has been accused of targeting a girl aged under 16.
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The 53-year-old – real name John Shannon – is also charged with sexually assaulting a second female.
Alford was due to face a seven-day trial at St Albans Crown Court today.
But the case has been adjourned until a date to be set after he was taken to hospital.
The dad-of-two previously pleaded not guilty to four counts of sexual activity with a child.
He has also denied one count of sexual assault and another of sexual assault by penetration relating to the second complainant.
Alford first shot to fame as a teenager when he landed the role of Robbie Wright on Grange Hill.
The Glasgow-born star played the role in the seminal BBC show for five years.
He starred alongside Simone Hyams and George Christopher and took part in the anti-drugs single Just Say No.
Between 1993 and 1998, Alford appeared in long-running drama London‘s Burning as Billy Ray.
He later had a role in film Mike Bassett: England Manager, Casualty and Brit flick The Hatton Garden Job.
Alford also enjoyed a short-lived pop career – with three singles reaching the UK Top 30.
These included debut single Smoke In Your Eyes, followed by Blue Moon and Only You.
Away from the screen, Alford worked as a scaffolder and minicab driver.
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