Adam Johnson tells jury he knew that kissing 15-year-old girl was wrong

Mr Johnson also said Sunderland AFC knew he had admitted to kissing the girl

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The footballer Adam Johnson has told a jury he knew kissing a 15-year-old girl was wrong.

Mr Johnson also said Sunderland AFC knew he had admitted to kissing the girl, who was 15 at the time.

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

In his current trial, which relates to the same victim, he is accused of two counts of sexual activity with a child. He denies the charges.

In a pre-prepared statement read out at Bradford Crown Court, Mr Johnson said he knew kissing the girl was wrong, but that he did not know meeting her with the intention of kissing her was a separate offence.

He said he accepts the girl was blameless and could not consent to sexual activity.

In the statement, he said: “I accept the stupidity of my actions. I have no excuse. I was aware by then of her age.

"I wholeheartedly and unreservedly apologise to the girl for the stupidity of my actions.

The trial continues.