Adam Johnson trial: Footballer’s lawyers want you to think 15-year-old girl he groomed is lying, judge says

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The judge in the trial of England footballer Adam Johnson has begun summing up the case.

The former Sunderland winger is on trial at Bradford Crown Court accused of two counts of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.

The 28-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of grooming and sexual activity with a child, involving kissing, on the first day the case was listed for trial.

Judge Jonathan Rose told the jury of eight women and four men: "In February last year, a 15-year-old girl told police that she had met and had intimate relations with the defendant, a professional footballer with Sunderland Football Club."

The judge told the jurors they had to decide whether Johnson digitally penetrated the girl and engaged in oral sex.

The two-week trial has heard that the girl was a "massive, massive Sunderland fan" who was infatuated with Johnson.

After meeting at the football club, the pair exchanged phone numbers and sent and received 834 WhatsApp messages in little more than a month, the court has heard.

Johnson met the girl in his black Range Rover on January 17 last year and signed two Sunderland shirts for her.

The footballer admits kissing her during a second meeting on January 30 but denies that any further sexual activity took place.

Judge Rose told the jury that the defence's case is that the girl is a "proven liar who has made up the other allegations".

He said: "It is quite clear, say the defence, that (the girl) is lying."

He said the defence claim Johnson is a "man to be believed", who has suffered "irreparable damage" to his footballing career and his relationship with his girlfriend and mother of his child, Stacey Flounders, as a result of his admissions.

Judge Rose said the prosecution's case is that Johnson, who has admitted being sexually attracted to the girl, is guilty.

He said: "He admits he made contact with her and then met her intending to engage in sexual activity with her.

"He admits that he kissed her."

The judge said the prosecution's case is that Johnson "has lied to his girlfriend, to police and to the court".

Press Association