Sunderland winger Adam Johnson has pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a 15 year old but denies two other counts and is due to go on trial over the charges on Friday.
Following his arrest last March, Johnson had denied four charges that he was faced with but at a hearing at Bradford Crown Court today, the 28 year old admitted to kissing a 15 year old whom he knew was under the age of sixteen as well as admitting to a charge of grooming the girl over the internet.
Johnson has denied the other two counts of sexual activity with his trial on those two charges due to begin in Bradford on Friday.
Sunderland had initially suspended the England international following his arrest in March. However, that suspension was later lifted and he went on to play a significant role in Sunderland's Premier League survival. The decision at the time was met with quite a bit of criticism and, in light of today's developments, the club is sure to face some fresh questioning on their handling of the case.
