Adam Johnson to plead not guilty to child sex abuse charges

The 27-year-old football star was arrested in March and accused of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl

Footballer Adam Johnson arrives at court (AP)

Sunderland winger Adam Johnson is expected to plead not guilty to charges of sexual offences against a girl under the age of 16, and of grooming.

The 27-year-old England footballer walked into Peterlee Magistrates’ Court with his partner Stacey Flounders for a five-minute hearing on Monday in which his solicitor, Paul Morris, indicated Johnson would plead not-guilty to the charges.

No pleas have been entered today.

During the hearing, Johnson was asked for his name, date of birth and address, which he confirmed. He spoke once more only to confirm that he understood the four charges he faces.

Johnson was arrested in March after he was accused of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.

The three counts of sexual activity with a child were said to have taken place on one night in January at two locations in County Durham while the meeting of a child after sexual grooming offence was said to have happened between December and February.

Johnson wore a grey suit with an open-necked shirt at court and did not comment as he left court, before being driven away in a Range Rover.

Magistrates, who granted Johnson bail until 3 June, made an order preventing the media from identifying three unnamed witnesses who are under the age of 16. The complainant in the case must also not be identified.

Johnson's case has been send to Durham Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on 3 June.

Additional reporting by PA