Adam Johnson ‘surprised’ at sexual allegations made by 15-year-old girl

The 28-year-old denies two charges of sexual activity with a child under 16, but has already admitted one similar charge and one of grooming.

Johnson, who said he had become “arrogant”, was giving evidence at Bradford Crown Court, where he is on trial accused of sexual activity with a child.

He said he knew it was a “possibility” that he would be touching the girl sexually when they met in his auto and said he wanted to do that but denies taking part in further sexual activity.

The footballer has previously pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one charge of grooming.

In court, Johnson told the jury that even though the events were playing on his mind, he had no problem returning to the pitch.

Johnson was sacked by his Premier League club, Sunderland, before the trial began. “No sexual activity like anything other than a kiss”.

Johnson said he “panicked” and was “in turmoil” during his police interview after his arrest in March a year ago.

Johnson agreed with the prosecutor that his attitude was “keen”.

Today, Johnson told the court that, when confronted with her allegations by police, he ” felt like someone was making her say these things for the benefit of herself”.

Miss Blackwell asked Johnson whether he would describe himself as a man of honour, to which he replied “no”.

She said: “And each week that you played for the football club and refused to acknowledge your guilt was another week perpetuating the excruciating pain for the girl, wasn’t it?”

He told police in a prepared statement that this went from just above his wrist to the tips of his fingers, and rendered his hand immobile.

When asked by Orlando Pownall QC, defending, about what state he was in during his first interview, he said: “I was panicking”. When asked why, he said: “Because when I had my kiss I knew that it was wrong and I didn’t want it to carry on any further”.

The prosecution has said he had no body hair in pictures which matches the teenager’s description of him during their encounter, though the player denies this.

When pressed he said he had “no specific recollection” of being aroused by the encounter, adding that the pair’s initial meetings had been “platonic in nature”.

Johnson answered “yes” to both questions, and also said the club was aware of the nature of the messages between him and the girl.