Durham police have warned internet users that it is a crime to identify alleged sexual assault victims ahead of England footballer Adam Johnson’s child sexual assault trial.
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The winger has denied two charges of sexual activity with the girl, admitting to one charge of grooming and one of sexual activity with the girl.
The former England worldwide pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child and is set to go on trial on Friday. They suspended Johnson following his arrest on 2 March a year ago, however the club lifted that ban two weeks later when Johnson had his bail extended.
A jury was then sworn in to hear the case relating to the two outstanding offences which he continues to deny.
Johnson, of Castle Eden in County Durham, arrived in court on Wednesday with his long-term girlfriend Stacey Flounders, with whom he has a one-year-old daughter.
Johnson came on as a second half sub against Liverpool at the weekend, scoring a free-kick as Sunderland came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw.
Between now and Friday, the barristers and Judge Jonathan Rose will discuss points of law, which can not be reported ahead of evidence being presented to jurors.
It also reports Johnson pleaded guilty to grooming the girl online between December 30, 2014 and February 26, 2015.
His barrister, Orlando Pownall, indicated that Johnson wished for the first two counts on the indictment to be put to him again.
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Johnson began his career at Middlesbrough and has also played for Manchester City, before joining Sunderland for 10 million pounds in 2012 on a four-year contract.
