Sex offender footballer Adam Johnson arrives for sentence
FORMER England footballer Adam Johnson ran into court today where he is expected to be jailed for engaging in sexual activity with a besotted 15-year-old fan.
Johnson has been warned he faces a “substantial prison sentence” after he was found guilty of one offence of sexual activity with a child by a jury earlier this month.
The 28-year-old ran into the entrance of Bradford Crown Court as a line of police officers guarded the front as reporters and photographers waited outside.
Earlier his sister said she would not be in court because “I just don’t want him to see the pain in my eyes”.
She said Johnson’s former partner and the mother of his one-year-old daughter, Stacey Flounders, will also not be at the hearing.
In a Facebook post, Ms Johnson said: “Today is the sentencing for my brother, the worst day of my life.
“I just wanted to let all of the supporters know that I will not be attending Bradford Crown Court, the reason for this is Adam has always been my hero, my brother and my best friend, I just don’t want him to see the pain in my eyes!
“Instead I will be at home with my little boy, Adam’s number 1 fan, Adam’s daughter and the mother of his child Stacey.
“I remain proud of my big brother and I am 100% behind him and I always will be.”
The player had already admitted another count of the same offence and also grooming the girl, who idolised him.
Judge Jonathan Rose made the jail warning after granting Johnson bail, telling him: “You can say goodbye to your daughter. A prison sentence will mean you will not see her for some time.”