Sunderland winger Adam Johnson arrived with his girlfriend at Peterlee Magistrates court today to face charges of sexual activity with an under-age partner.
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Adam Johnson charged on three counts of sexual activity with underage girl
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The former England international seems to be supported by his WAG Stacey Flounders, who walked with him hand in hand to the courtroom for his Monday morning hearing.
Johnson was charged for engaging in sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16 last month, but will now be hoping to protest his innocence, with solicitor Paul Morris insisting his client will plead not guilty to the charge, according to the Daily Mail.
The 27-year-old has been released on bail and is expected to be allowed to play for Sunderland in their final two games of the season against Arsenal and Chelsea as they face a battle to escape relegation and stay in the Premier League for next season.
Still, this case will surely cast doubt over Johnson’s future with the club and in the game as a whole.