Sunderland's Adam Johnson pleads not guilty
Wednesday 3 June 2015 16:25, UK
Sunderland midfielder Adam Johnson has denied all charges against him after appearing at Durham Crown Court on Wednesday morning.
The 27-year-old has pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child under 16 and one of grooming.
A trial start date has been set for August 24.
Johnson was arrested on Monday March 2 and was charged after he answered his police bail at Peterlee police station in April.
The three counts of sexual activity with a child were alleged to have taken place on one night in January at two locations in County Durham, while the offence of meeting a child after sexual grooming was alleged to have happened between December and February.
Johnson was originally suspended by his club in April, before being reinstated and featuring in their final five games of the season.
Born in Sunderland, Johnson began his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Manchester City in 2010, then to Sunderland for £10million in 2012.
The winger has also played 12 times for England.
The Premier League 2015-16 season is due to begin on August 8.
