Adam Johnson Googled "legal age of consent" after sending a messages to girl, 15, who performed a sex act on him in car

Footballer Adam Johnson befriended and messaged an avid young Sunderland fan who idolised him to the point of having his name on the back of her shirt, a court has heard. He asked the 15-year-old how old she was and told her she looked older before signing her football shirt and asking for a 'thank you kiss', the jury were told. On a second meeting with the youngster, the footballer then put his hand down her trousers and she performed a sex act on him, prosecutors said.

He then looked up the 'legal age of consent' online, the court heard. The alleged offences are said to have taken place when Johnson's partner, Stacey Flounders, was pregnant. Ms Flounders (centre, with the player) is standing by him and attended court today, but had to leave when some of the messages were read out. The 28-year-old England winger has pleaded guilty to grooming and sexual activity with a schoolgirl, but denies two further counts of sexual activity with a child and is standing trial in Bradford. He was sacked by Sunderland this week after his admissions.