This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/adam-johnson-says-he-knew-girl-he-groomed-was-15-years-old-a6889046.html

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Adam Johnson says he knew girl he groomed was 15 years old Adam Johnson says he knew girl he groomed was 15 years old
(35 minutes later)
The footballer Adam Johnson has admitted he knew the girl he is accused of having sexual activity with was 15 at the time, his trial has heard. Footballer Adam Johnson has admitted he knew the fan he is accused of having sexual activity with was 15 at the time, his trial has heard.
In a pre-prepared statement read out in court, he said: “I accept the stupidity of my actions. I have no excuse. I was aware by then of her age." Mr Johnson has previously pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming. His current trial, which relates to the same victim, sees him 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: “I accept the stupidity of my actions. I have no excuse. I was aware by then of her age," Sky News reports. 
He reportedly added: "I wholeheartedly and unreservedly apologise to the girl for the stupidity of my actions. 
In the statement Mr Johnson admitted he had kissed the child "fully on the lips" on the pair's second meeting on 30 January.
"I accept that she was a child and should have been safe in my company," he added.
 
 
More followsMore follows