Footballer Adam Johnson to learn about his prison sentence on March 24

Former Sunderland and England winger Adam Johnson faces a substantial prison term after it was confirmed on Thursday that he will be sentenced on March 24 for sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl

London: Former Sunderland and England winger Adam Johnson faces a substantial prison term after it was confirmed on Thursday that he will be sentenced on March 24 for sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.

Adam Johnson

Johnson admitted grooming and sexual activity with the girl, who is a Sunderland fan, and was convicted of a charge of sexual touching.

The 28-year-old, who also played for Manchester City and Middlesbrough, was found guilty of sexual activity with the teenager and a judge told him he should expect to receive a lengthy prison sentence.

Johnson was given bail at Bradford Crown Court by Judge Jonathan Rose, who warned him: "You must understand that when you return here at the end of March you will receive a substantial prison sentence."

The judge said his preliminary view was that the offences fall into the category of a five-year prison sentence with a possible range of four to 10 years.

Johnson was found not guilty of a third charge of sexual activity with a child, relating to the same girl. All the charges relate to an incident in Johnson's Range Rover when he met up with the girl in County Durham on January 30 last year.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!