Sunderland winger Johnson admits sexual activity with child

The 28-year-old Sunderland winger arrived at Bradford Crown Court this morning with his girlfriend Stacey Flounders for the start of his trial.

Police arrested the former Manchester City player in March and was hit with afour-count charge that include sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl and one of grooming. Johnson has denied two other counts of sexual activity with a child.

Johnson denies two further counts of sexual activity with the girl.

The incidents of sexual activity are said to have taken place in January 2015, while the offence of meeting a child after sexual grooming was said to have happened between December 2014 and February 2015.

He was initially suspended by Sunderland following his arrest in March previous year, but has since returned to action and scored in their 2-2 draw at Liverpool in the Premier League last Saturday.

The footballer, who has earned 12 caps for England, appeared in the dock wearing a black suit and white shirt and was flanked by a female prison officer.