Adam Johnson Pleads Guilty To Sex Charge

Footballer Adam Johnson has admitted one count of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl and one count of grooming.

However, the Sunderland winger continues to deny two charges of sexual activity with the same child.

The 28-year-old, from Castle Eden, County Durham, appeared at Bradford Crown Court.

His girlfriend, Stacey Flounders, was among the 18 people sitting in the court's public gallery, along with 12 journalists.

Speaking from outside the court, Sky's Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt said: "Until this morning, since his arrest last March, Adam Johnson had denied four charges.

"But after some legal argument this morning, two of the charges were put to him again and he has admitted them."

Brunt added that although few details are known about the sex charge he has pleaded guilty to, it did involve the kissing and touching of his victim on 30 January 2015.

Johnson has admitted to knowing that the girl was under 16.

The grooming charge relates to a period between 30 December 2014 and 26 February 2015.

The footballer played at Middlesbrough and Manchester City before transferring to Sunderland AFC, his hometown club, in a £10m deal in 2012.

The winger has also made 12 appearances for England.

Johnson was originally suspended by Sunderland, but was reinstated and helped the club avoid relegation. He played 20 times this season and scored two goals.

Six men and six women have been selected to sit on the jury and hear evidence relating to the two charges of sexual activity with a child that Johnson denies.

They were told by Judge Jonathan Rose: "It will be for you and only you to determine if he is guilty or not guilty."

The prosecution will outline its case against Johnson on Friday.