Adam Johnson has been given six years in jail for child sex offences against a teenage fan.
The disgraced Sunderland star was given the lengthy sentence after being found guilty of sexual activity with a 15-year-old Sunderland fan.
The 28-year-old ex-England star also earlier pleaded guilty to another count of sexual activity with the child and another of grooming.
His defence team called for leniency from Judge Johnathan Rose during the hearing at Bradford Crown Court.
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Johnson was told to stand in the dock as Judge Rose handed down his sentence.
Reporter Craig Hope tweeted the judge's comments as he sentenced the shamed footballer.
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The court heard from doctors who said Johnson "
believed he had a right to sex" and had "put the victim's age out of his mind".
The prosecution said that the offences were "calculated, considered and carefully orchestrated", according to the
Daily Mail.
A medical professional said that Johnson said "being in prison would offer some relief. I just want to let people I have hurt get on with their lives".
The court heard that Johnson has been
stripped of his England caps.
The 28-year-old has lodged a formal appeal against his conviction.
