Adam Johnson dropped from Sunderland squad against Manchester United
Apr 16, 2016 at 5:34 PM
28-year old Sunderland and England winger Adam Johnson will not be available for the Black Cats for the clash against Manchester United this weekend as he is in the midst of an ongoing legal trial in the court.
Adam Johnson is due to stand trial at Bradford Crown Court tomorrow on two counts of sexual activity with a child, which he denies.
Johnson, who last played for England in August 2012, was arrested in March 2015 and was initially suspended by Sunderland before returning to the team a fortnight later.
Earlier today, the winger pleaded guilty to one offence of grooming and other allegations of sexual activity with a child.
Though the Black Cats revealed that the player will be available for selection even during trial, it is now understood that the statement was released before Johnson pleaded guilty and it now revels that he will not be available for the game against the Red Devils.
The English winger was spotted at the trial in a black suit accompanied by a female prison officer where he listened carefully to the proceedings of the court.
Six men and six women were selected to sit on jury who were told by the Judge, Jonathan Rose that Johnson has already pleaded guilty for the offence.
Judge Rose added that the jury may read about the case in the press.
He told the jurors: “Mr Johnson, as you will hear, is a professional footballer for Sunderland Football Club.
“You may see reference to this in the press but it’s the evidence in court that you will gather.
“This defendant has already pleaded guilty to two offences, you will hear more about them in detail when Miss Blackwell opens the case to you on Friday.”
He said they must come to a decision on the remaining two charges.
“It will be for you and only you to determine if he is guilty or not guilty,” he said.
Adam Johnson could face 18 months behind bars after guilty pleas, according to Crown Prosecution Service guidelines
The 28-year-old’s father denied two further charges, for which a trial will start on Friday
Tomorrow the judge will deal with some more legal arguments between the prosecution and defense and the jury will return on Friday morning to hear the opening of the case.