Adam Johnson 'abused his revered position' in sexual assault, says prosecution

Sacked Sunderland player Adam Johnson "abused his revered position in society" when he groomed and then sexually touched a 15-year-old girl in his Range Rover, Bradford crown court heard on Friday.

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The 12-time England international had pleaded guilty to one count of grooming and one count of sexual activity at the hearing on Wednesday, but denies two further counts of sexual activity.

"What has brought the defendant to this courtroom is a sexual desire for (the complainant), an excessive arrogance and an unwarranted level of expectation," prosecutor Kate Blackwell QC told jurors.

"He has abused his revered position in society and, having met this 15-year-old girl at Sunderland football club and on social media, and knowing that she looked up to him, made a conscious decision to act in a way that he knew was both morally and legally wrong."

Blackwell provided evidence which suggests Johnson was aware of the complainant's age yet still arranged meetings with her in his vehicle via text message. It was in the second meeting in his Land Rover where the alleged sexual activity occurred.

The trial continues.