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
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
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.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.