Adam Johnson sentencing: Sister not attending court so disgraced footballer 'won't see the pain in my eyes'
Johnson is being sentenced for one count of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Adam Johnson’s sister has insisted she remains proud of her brother as he is sentenced today for engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old schoolgirl.
The footballer was convicted of one offence of sexual activity with a child earlier in March. He was told to expect a “substantial prison sentence” and say goodbye to his young daughter.
After he was found guilty, his teenage victim said she felt “so broken”. She said she had endured a year of being called a liar as Johnson protested his innocence.
His sister Faye Johnson has posted a number of Facebook messages condemning his conviction.
Johnson was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court and Faye did not attend, writing that she did not want her brother to see “the pain in my eyes”.
“Today is the sentencing for my brother, the worst day of my life,” she wrote.
”I just wanted to let all of the supporters know that I will not be attending Bradford Crown Court, the reason for this is Adam has always been my hero, my brother and my best friend, I just don't want him to see the pain in my eyes!
“Instead, I will be at home with my little boy, Adam's number one fan, Adam's daughter and the mother of his child, Stacey.
”I remain proud of my big brother and I am 100 per cent behind him and I always will be.”
Additional reporting by the Press Association