Adam Johnson trial: Sunderland star pleads guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and grooming

The footballer, who has been capped 12 times by England, arrived at Bradford Crown Court with girlfriend Stacey Flounders

Arriving: Johnson outside Bradford Crown Court this morning

Premier League footballer Adam Johnson has pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child and child grooming.
The pleas came at the start of a trial at Bradford Crown Court this morning.

The 28-year-old continues to deny two further counts of sexual activity with the same child and a trial will go ahead on Friday.

The footballer, who has been capped 12 times by England, arrived at court with girlfriend Stacey Flounders this morning.

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He appeared in the dock at wearing a black suit and white shirt and was flanked by a female prison officer.

The defendant, from Castle Eden, County Durham, had his case moved from Durham.

The Sunderland-born winger started his career at Middlesbrough and also had loan spells at Watford and Leeds United.

He moved to Manchester City in 2010 and was then sold to Sunderland for £10 million in 2012.

Support: Johnson arrived at court with girlfriend Stacey Flounders who sat in the public gallery

Six men and six women have been selected to sit on the jury.
While being given their directions they were told by Judge Jonathan Rose that they may read about the case in the press.

He told the jurors: "Mr Johnson, as you will hear, is a professional footballer for Sunderland Football Club."


They were instructed that they try the defendant on only the evidence they hear in court.

Judge Rose added: "You may see reference to this in the press but it's the evidence in court that you will gather.

"This defendant has already pleaded guilty to two offences, you will hear more about them in detail when Miss Blackwell opens the case to you on Friday."

He said they must come to a decision on the remaining two charges.

"It will be for you and only you to determine if he is guilty or not guilty."

Kate Blackwell QC for the prosecution said that the alleged incidents had taken place in County Durham, in or about the area of Castle Eden and Wingate.

Johnson is represented by Mr Orlando Pownall QC.
The case continues.