The trial of former London’s Burning actor John Alford for sex offences involving a girl under 16 has been delayed because he is in hospital.

The 53-year-old, who first found fame in Grange Hill, was due to appear at St Alban’s Crown Court on Monday for the start of a seven-day trial.

Court staff confirmed that an adjournment had been requested because the defendant is in hospital, and that a new date has yet to be fixed.

Alford, who is charged under his real name John Shannon, 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.

The former actor, of Holloway, north London, denied the charges at a previous hearing.