Adam Johnson launches appeal against six-year jail sentence for grooming and sexual activity

An official at Bradford Crown Court confirmed the development on Tuesday

Johnson was found guilty of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl last month (Getty)

Adam Johnson has formally launched an appeal against his six-year sentence for grooming and sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.

The former Sunderland and England footballer admitted to kissing and grooming the girl in question on the first day of his trial at Bradford Crown Court.

Johnson was later found guilty of sexual activity, a more serious child sexual assault charge, and subsequently jailed last month.

An official at Bradford Crown Court confirmed on Tuesday that Johnson’s legal team had filed an appeal against his sentence.

The development was also reported on a Facebook page titled ‘Adam Johnson’s Appeal Fight’, ran by supporters of the footballer.

“Adam's appeal against his sentence has now been lodged! Thanks everyone for your support it means a lot! X,” it read.

A later message read: “Appeal against conviction lodged! Appeal against sentence is imminent this week! Awaiting confirmation for when my website can go live! Updates will follow!”

Johnson, who has not spoken publicly since the trial, recently wrote a message to his supporters in the form of a letter, which was then shared on the Facebook page.

“Tell the fans thanks for the support from me if your [sic] allowed and the letters. Speak soon, Love Adam xxx”, he said.