The 28-year-old professional footballer has pleaded guilty to kissing an underage after initially grooming her online. He admitted to one count of sexual activity and one count of grooming with the 15-year-old girl. The Sunderland winger denied any wrongdoing on two other counts presented to him, and the case is scheduled to go on trial this Friday.
(Image credit: The Guardian)
The Guardian reports that grooming took place between December 30th 2014 and February 26th 2015 in efforts to carry out sexual activities with a minor. At that time the girl was still under the age of 16, which is the legal age of consent. When asked by the judge at the Bradford crown court today regarding his stance, Johnson answered, “guilty.”
The sexual charges with a minor were brought to light one year ago when Johnson was arrested by the police. As a result of his arrest, Sunderland suspended him until the authorities concluded the investigation, according to BBC Sport.
The judge, Jonathan Rose, gave stern guidance to the panel of jurors in the courtroom, advising them to dismiss any aspects that are linked to Johnson’s career as a professional footballer, and solely to focus on what they heard at the courtroom. “This is a case you may see referred to in the press. Mr Johnson is a professional footballer with Sunderland AFC and you may see something about it in the newspaper. But let me just remind you of the oath and affirmation you have just received. You must try this defendant on the evidence heard in this courtroom, not anything else. That is very important,” said judge Rose.
Johnson started his career with Middlesbrough where he progressed through the youth ranks before he broke into the first team. In the winter transfer window of 2010, he was transferred to Manchester City signing a four-and-a-half year deal. Two years later he agreed to join Sunderland, but considering his guilty plea to sexual activities with a minor they may possibly release him.