Man found guilty of sexual offences against children

John Shannon, who is also known as John Alford, aged 53, of Hartham Road, Islington, has been found guilty of six sexual offences with a child following a week-long trial at St Albans Crown Court.

 

He was convicted of the following:

 

• Count 1 – Sexual activity with a child 

• Count 2 - Sexual activity with a child 

• Count 3 – Penetrative sexual activity with a child 

• Count 4 - Penetrative sexual activity with a child 

• Count 5 – Penetrative sexual assault

• Count 6 - Sexual assault

 

An investigation was launched by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s specialist Sexual Offences Investigation Team (SOIT) after reports were received from the two victims in April 2022.

Shannon was arrested on 11 April 2022 and following an investigation was subsequently charged on 16 July 2023. He pleaded not guilty to all charges at a hearing in St Albans Crown Court on 26 September 2023. 

 

During the trial, the court heard that in the early hours of Saturday 9 April 2022, two girls aged 14 and 15 were having a sleepover at a friend's house in Hoddesdon. John Shannon arrived at the property during the evening as a guest of the homeowner and was intoxicated. 

 

After purchasing and supplying the victims with alcohol, Shannon then lured one of the victims into sexual intercourse on two occasions. He also sexually assaulted the second victim twice whilst she was falling asleep on the sofa. 

 

He will be sentenced for all six offences on 5 December 2025.

 

Investigator Laura Harrison, from Hertfordshir,e Constabulary’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team, said: “Throughout this trial, Shannon consistently denied any sexual activity and maintained that the two child victims were attempting to extort him for money—despite the fact that neither child knew who Shannon was, nor that he was an actor, as they were born long after his career began. At no point did Shannon accept responsibility, admit guilt, or show any remorse for his actions. 

 

“There is no doubt that Shannon’s behaviour that evening was predatory and carried out solely for his own sexual gratification.

 

“Reporting offences of this nature is never easy. I want to commend the victims for their courage in coming forward and for the strength they have shown throughout this lengthy and complex investigation. Their determination has never wavered, and this is testament to their bravery.”

 

Hertfordshire has a range of support available. Beacon is Hertfordshire’s Victim Care Centre and is staffed by professionals from both Hertfordshire Constabulary and Catch 22, an independent organisation commissioned to support victims of crime in Hertfordshire. For more information on how to contact Beacon in the strictest confidence, visit Beacon.