Adam Johnson Charged with Sexual Activity with Minor: Latest Details, Comments

Sunderland winger Adam Johnson has been charged with three counts of sexual activity with a child under the age of 16 and a further offence of grooming.

News of the sanctions were confirmed by Tom Williams of Agence France-Presse:

The England international was at Peterlee Police Station today to answer bail after being arrested on March 2 earlier this year, per Gavin Engelbrecht of The Northern Echo. Johnson arrived with his lawyer and declined to respond to any questions from reporters on the scene.

Durham Police released their own accompanying statement, per Engelbrecht:

"

Adam Johnson, a professional footballer aged 27 from Castle Eden, County Durham has this afternoon been charged with three offences of sexual activity with a child under 16 years old, plus one offence of grooming.

Johnson was initially arrested on Monday, 2nd March and was charged after he answered his police bail today at Peterlee police station.

He will appear the magistrates court in Peterlee on the morning of Wednesday, May 20th.

"

According to Engelbrecht's piece, the girl in question is believed to be 15 years old.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children defines child grooming as the following, per their official website:

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Grooming is when someone builds an emotional connection with a child to gain their trust for the purposes of sexual abuse or exploitation.

Children and young people can be groomed online or in the real world, by a stranger or by someone they know—for example a family member, friend or professional.

Groomers may be male or female. They could be any age.

Many children and young people don't understand that they have been groomed, or that what has happened is abuse.

"

The PFA released a statement on Friday:

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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.

"

Sunderland announced Friday that Johnson would be available for selection despite the charges:

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A statement released by the club this morning 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.”

"

However, Johnson was not selected by manager Dick Advocaat for the squad, according to Sunderland's official Twitter feed. 

The 27-year-old was initially suspended by the club after being arrested, pending an investigation from the authorities. But he has since returned to action, with Sunderland seeking to secure their status as a Premier League side for next season.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

His magistrates hearing is due to take place on the same day as the Black Cats’ trip to London to face Arsenal in their penultimate league game of the season. At the time of writing, the Stadium of Light outfit are in 16th spot, one point clear of 18th-place Leicester City.