Sunderland's Adam Johnson due to go on trial on child sex charges

The 28-year-old denies three counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming

England and Sunderland footballer Adam Johnson (right) arrives at Durham Crown Court where he pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a girl under 16 and one of grooming (PA)

Sunderland footballer Adam Johnson’s trial on child sex charges is to commence at Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday morning.

The 28-year-old denies three counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming after attending a hearing on August 3 2015. Johnson is accused of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl following his arrest in March 2015.

During the hearing at Durham Crown Court, Judge Christopher Prince ruled the trail would take place on 10 February 2016. Details of the August hearing cannot be reported other than to say legal and administrative matters were covered.

The incident of sexual activity is claimed to have occurred in January 2015 while the offence of grooming is said to have taken place between December 2014 and February 2015. The defendant, from County Durham, has had his case moved from Durham to Bradford.

Johnson has played 20 times for Sunderland this season.