Former Sunderland winger Adam Johnson found guilty of a charge of sexual activity with a 15 year old girl

 

Former Sunderland and England player Adam Johnson has been found not guilty of one count of sexual activity with a girl aged 15.

The count is one of four leveled at Johnson, 28, who had previously pleaded guilty to a lesser count of sexual activity as well as grooming the girl, but denied two more serious counts.

The jury heard Johnson met up with the girl on 30 January 2015 after agreeing to sign football shirts for her.

It was here he admitted kissing the girl but denied her claims that he "put his hands down her pants" and she performed an oral sex act on him.

When the Jury were asked to reach a verdict on the two counts, they came back initially with the verdict that Johnson has was not guilty on the charge relating to the oral sex claim,  but the jury hadn't reached a decision on a count involving the sexual touching.

Judge Jonathan Rose then told the jury at Bradford Crown Court he will accept a majority verdict, which was returned as guilty.

There has been no word as yet on when he will be sentenced.

Johnson was arrested last year and initially suspended by former club Sunderland. After his release on bail he continued to play for the club, but after pleading guilty to the two lesser charges at the start of his trial, he was sacked by the Black Cats.

A former Middlesbrough and Manchester City player, Johnson represented his country 12 times.