Footballer Adam Johnson Pleads Guilty To Two Child Sex Charges

On Wednesday, 10th February, Sunderland footballer Adam Johnson pleaded guilty to grooming and sexual activity with a child, although he denies two other counts of sexual activity with a child and is due to go on trial on Friday.

The 28 year old midfielder now could face 18 months behind bars after guilty pleas, according to Crown Prosecution Service guidelines. His case is being dealt by a board of 12 jurors – six men and six women at the Bradford Crown Court, who will hear the opening of the case on Friday. But before that, today, the judge will deal with some more legal arguments between the prosecution and defense. Johnson will stand trial on two further counts of sexual activity with a child under 16, both involving penetration, which he denies. The maximum sentence for those offences is 14 years.

The judge has told the jury that Adam Johnson is a professional footballer and the case will be referenced in the press. He warns them to make decisions based purely on evidence heard in court. He further elaborated, “He has pleaded guilty to two matters but not guilty to two matters - it is up to you and only you to decide based on the evidence.”

Johnson, who joined Sunderland from Manchester City in a £10million deal in the year 2012, was initially suspended when he was arrested in March, 2015, on suspicion of having sexual activity with an underage girl, aged 15.  He was released on bail.  On 18 March, with his bail having been extended until 23 April, his suspension was lifted by the club. He was charged on three counts after his bail ended.

Like with most cases of most sexual offences, the identity of the victim has not been revealed. Durham Constabulary has warned social media users in connection with Johnson’s case that anyone who publishes anything which could identify any victim or alleged victim of a sexual offence is committing a crime. The force said anyone who breaks the law in this way will be dealt with ‘robustly’

The twelve capped winger was accompanied by his partner Stacey Flounders, who is the mother of their one-year-old girl, and his father, David, at Wednesday’s hearing. The hearing lasted around 5 hours.

Adam has previously played for Middlesbrough and Manchester United before joining Sunderland and has already made 109 appearances for the club, scoring 18 goals. Friday’s hearing could very well jeopardize the career for Adam once and all.