Defence: "Adam Johnson does not pose a significant risk of harm to children"

Orlando Pownall QC, who has been representing Adam Johnson throughout his case, spoke to the court ahead of the sentencing of the former footballer.

This is what he had to say.

Orlando Pownall QC

"He has lost a lucrative career he will never be able to retrieve.

He has been stripped of his England caps. He has been made the subject of national humiliation and these are all aspects of punishment that arise from his pleas and conviction."

He added that Johnson's conduct towards women

"....is, and could properly be described as deplorable".

The QC added:

"He does not pose a significant risk of harm to children, for (victim) was not selected on her age but despite her age."

He said that despite the huge publicity surrounding the case, no other underage girls have complained about Johnson.

"This is not the case of a predatory paedophile who has sought out children for sexual purposes."

"This was an aberration.

There is no reason to suppose that, given the experience that Mr Johnson has had, that he would contemplate using the internet in the future to contact those below the age of consent."