Footballer Adam Johnson appears in court to face child sex charges

England footballer Adam Johnson, 27, walked with his partner into Peterlee Magistrates’ Court where he faced three offences of sexual activity with a girl under 16 and one of grooming.

The Sunderland star held hands with Stacey Flounders as they arrived at court.

The winger was arrested in March after he was accused of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.

The three counts of sexual activity with a child were said to have taken place on one night in January at two locations in Co Durham. The meeting a child after sexual grooming offence was said to have happened between December and February.

The winger, who has played 12 times for England, lives in a mansion in Castle Eden, Co Durham. Born in Sunderland, he began his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Manchester City and then Sunderland for £10m (€13.8m) in 2012.

During the five-minute hearing, his solicitor, Paul Morris, indicated he would plead not guilty. No pleas were entered yesterday.

The case was sent to Durham Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on June 3.

He did not comment as he left court with Ms Flounders and was driven away in a Range Rover.

During the hearing, Johnson was asked for his name, date of birth, and address, which he confirmed.

Sitting at the side of the courtroom, he only spoke again to confirm he understood the four charges which were read out by the clerk.

Ms Flounders sat in the back row of the court.

Magistrates, who granted Johnson bail, made an order preventing the media from identifying three unnamed witnesses who are under 16. The complainant in the case must also not be identified.