Adam Johnson pleads guilty to grooming charge

FOOTBALLER Adam Johnson has pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming.

Adam Johnson arrives at Bradford Crown Court. Picture: PA

The 28-year-old Sunderland winger continues to deny two charges of sexual activity with a girl aged under 16.

The footballer, who has earned 12 caps for England, appeared in the dock at Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday wearing a black suit and white shirt and was flanked by a female prison officer.

The defendant, from Castle Eden, County Durham, had his case moved from Durham.

Born in Sunderland, he began his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Manchester City and then to Sunderland for £10 million in 2012.