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Adam Johnson faces prison after child sex crime verdict

Former England footballer Adam Johnson has been found guilty at Bradford Crown Court of one count of sexual activity with a child.

The 28-year-old has previously pleaded guilty to grooming a 15-year-old girl and one charge of sexual activity with her.

Earlier he was found not guilty of one count of sexual activity with a child.

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Adam Johnson: Descent from star to sex offender

Adam Johnson's 15-year-old victim filmed their meeting on her mobile phone to prove to her friend that the 28-year-old ex-Sunderland player really had met her.

ITV News correspondent Damon Green was in Bradford Crown Court for the trial:

Sunderland refuses to answer 'kiss' question

Sports Editor Steve Scott has spoken to Sunderland about Adam Johnson's claims that he made them aware in May 2015 that he had kissed and exchanged messages with a 15-year-old girl:

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Johnson's victim 'repeatedly broke down in tears'

Adam Johnson's 15-year-old victim gave evidence against the ex-Sunderland player via videolink, and broke down repeatedly as she was accused of lying.

ITV News correspondent Damon Green was in Bradford Crown Court for the trial:

Should Johnson have been playing days before trial?

Adam Johnson was playing for Sunderland, on a salary of £60,000 per week, a few days before his trial for child sex crimes.

Sports Editor Steve Scott examines the series of events leading to today's conviction and speaks to fans over the club's actions concerning the 28-year-old former winger:

'Totally unacceptable' for Sunderland not to suspend Johnson

It was "totally unacceptable" Adam Johnson was not suspended from Sunderland Football Club sooner, the NSPCC has told ITV News.

The 28-year-old and his legal team met the club's chief executive Margaret Byrne in May 2015 while he was on bail, and his trial was told that during that meeting the club was made aware he had kissed the 15-year-old and exchanged messages.

He was still allowed to play for the team.

The club has denied knowing Johnson planned to admit kissing the girl.

John Cameron, head of helplines at the NSPCC, said it was unacceptable for the club to delay suspending Johnson if they knew.

"It gives a very inappropriate message, not only to the victims, but other people who are affected by this," he said.

Johnson 'went to great lengths' to hide child sex crimes

Ex-Sunderland footballer Adam Johnson knew that sexual contact with a girl of 15 was wrong and "went to great lengths to hide it," the Crown Prosecution Service has said.

Ex-Sunderland footballer Adam Johnson outside court today Credit: PA

It released this statement following the conviction of the 28-year-old:

Adam Johnson was idolised by many young fans for his football career. However, he chose to exploit that fame to actively pursue a 15 year old girl for his own sexual gratification, in full knowledge of her age.

The law in this country regarding sexual activity between adults and those under the age of 16 is clear. It exists to protect children from more experienced adults wishing to take advantage of them.

Adam Johnson knew that what he was doing was wrong and went to great lengths to hide it. He encouraged his young victim to delete any traces of their online contact and, when she reported what had happened to police, he initially claimed to be unaware of her true age and told police that he had only ever kissed her.

While he eventually admitted to those charges for which there was overwhelming documentary evidence, he continued to deny the true extent of their sexual contact.

The victim in this case has endured months of abuse and personal attacks online. Had Adam Johnson wished to do so, he could have spared her further alarm and distress. I would like to thank her for her bravery in coming forward and giving evidence.

– Gerry Wareham, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North East
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