Former Sunderland and England winger Adam Johnson has been sentenced to six years in jail.
Johnson, 28, was found guilty by jury of one charge of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl earlier this month at Bradford Crown Court, having already pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and one of grooming (communicating with a child with the intent of committing a sex act) on the opening day of his trial on Feb. 10. Johnson lodged an appeal against the conviction Thursday.
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Johnson, whose contract was terminated by Sunderland following his guilty plea, ran into court to avoid the media scrum and then listened to a statement from the victim in which she detailed the impact the case has had on her personal life and schoolwork.
The prosecution also highlighted the way Johnson's supporters had continued to harangue the victim on social media.
For the defense, psychologist Dr. Philip Hopley claimed Johnson was "socially and psychologically immature" for his age and his physical development growing up "was somewhat retarded."
Hopley also recalled how Johnson was unable to discuss the crimes he had committed due to the shame he felt, with the footballer suggesting "being in prison would offer some relief. I just want to let people I have hurt get on with their lives."
Johnson, according to Hopley, also told him "explicit messaging was common practice among his fellow footballers."
Summing up, judge Jonathan Rose told Johnson: "All of this is entirely your own responsibility and your own fault. She had only just turned 15 when you began to groom her … because you found her sexually attractive even though you knew her to be just 15. Your standing and your offending are the only reason this child has suffered abuse."