The trial of England footballer Adam Johnson will continue today, after he was charged with two counts of sexual activity with a child.
The former Sunderland winger is accused of abusing “his revered position in society” when he had sexual contact with the teenager “in a way that he knew was both morally and legally wrong”.
The jury at Bradford Crown Court was told that a 15-year-old fan had an “enormous crush on him” and idolised him.
Johnson, who denies the charges, was contacted by the girl via Facebook and the two began exchanging messages before they finally met so he could sign shirts for her.
Prosecutor Kate Blackwell QC said after this first meeting the two joked in their messages about whether Johnson deserved a “thank you kiss” and they met again.
She then described how the two engaged in sexual activity in the player’s black Range Rover at this second meeting.
Johnson has already admitted one count of sexual activity with a child and another of meeting a child following sexual grooming.
Ms Blackwell said: “The Crown’s case is that he is guilty of further and more serious sexual activity.”
Johnson’s contract with Sunderland AFC was terminated last week.