Johnson Charged...

[Tony2005]

Footballer Adam Johnson has been charged with three offences of sexual activity with a child under 16 and one of grooming. The 27-year-old Sunderland star attended a police station to answer his bail, where he was charged, Durham Police said. He was initially arrested on Monday March 2, and will appear at Peterlee Magistrates' Court in County Durham next month.

The winger, who has played 12 times for England, was initially suspended and then reinstated by his club after being arrested at his mansion in leafy Castle Eden, County Durham. Born in Sunderland, Johnson began his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Manchester City and then Sunderland for £10 million in 2012. After his bail was previously extended by police, the decision was taken to allow him to return to play for Sunderland while the investigation continued.

Gerry Wareham, CPS Chief Crown Prosecutor for the North East, said he believed there was a realistic prospect of conviction and it was in the public interest for him to be charged. "Following an investigation by Durham Police, I have today authorised police to charge Adam Johnson, aged 27, with four offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The offences are alleged to have been committed on one girl aged 15 at the time," he said.

"Adam Johnson was arrested on 2 March this year. We have reviewed the available evidence in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and concluded that there is a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to charge Adam Johnson with one offence of meeting a child following sexual grooming, contrary to Section 15 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and three offences of sexual activity with a child, contrary to Section 9 of the Sexual Offence Act 2003. The alleged offences date from 30 December 2014 to 26 February 2015.

"Durham Police have charged the defendant accordingly and he is due to appear before Peterlee Magistrates on 20 May. May I remind all concerned that the defendant has a right to a fair trial. It is very important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings. I would also remind people that the complainant in this case is entitled to lifelong anonymity under the law. For these reasons, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further."

[bennythedip2]

Sunderland could pick Johnson .. (April 24 2015)

Sunderland winger Adam Johnson appears set to remain available for selection after being charged with three offences of sexual activity with a child under 16 and one of grooming.


The Black Cats confirmed on Friday that, while they will continue to review the situation, their position "remains unchanged".

With the 27-year-old having been used as a substitute in each of the club's last three Barclays Premier League games, it seems that he could also be involved at Stoke on Saturday.

A club statement said: "Following yesterday's statement from Durham Constabulary, the club recognises that the formal legal process must take its course and whilst our position remains unchanged, we will keep the matter under review.

"The club will not be making any further comment."

Johnson was arrested at his Castle Eden home in County Durham on March 2 and was initially suspended by the club as police investigated the allegations against him.

The club suspension was later lifted and he has played brief roles in each of new head coach Dick Advocaat's games to date, the defeats at West Ham and at home to Crystal Palace either side of a derby victory over Newcastle.

Johnson was charged on Thursday after answering bail at Peterlee Police Station, and is due to appear at the County Durham town's Magistrates' Court on May 20, the day Sunderland are due to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Sunderland stand just a point clear of the relegation zone and are in dire need of an upturn in on-field fortunes to steer clear of danger.

At his best, Johnson, who joined the club in a #10million switch from Manchester City in August 2012, could prove a key figure in that fight, although his form has been patchy during his spell on Wearside.

Advocaat faces a decision on whether or not to involve him in the remaining six games of the campaign, while club officials consider their own response to the situation.

The players' union, the Professional Footballers' Association, has urged people to allow justice to take its course.

A PFA statement said: "Given that this is an ongoing legal matter, it would not be appropriate to comment specifically on the case. However, we would emphasise that just like any other individual, Adam is entitled to a fair hearing.

"We are not in a position to make any further comment."

[Tony2005]

[Pkrplaya]

One girl aged 15 at the time. An innocent mistake or something far worse?

[Tony2005]

Originally Posted by Pkrplaya

One girl aged 15 at the time. An innocent mistake or something far worse?

Im of the same thought.....although its alleged he knew her...