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.
Defence asks for "proportionate sentencing". They accept "planning & abuse of trust" but reject "disparity in age" as aggravating factor.
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) March 24, 2016
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.
Judge says Adam Johnson's internet search for age of sexual consent was because he intended to have sex with the girl.
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) March 24, 2016
Judge: "You made a deliberate decision to engage in sexual activity despite knowing she was 15, no doubt hoping you would get away with it".
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) March 24, 2016
Judge: The sentences imposed will have a significant impact on you. This is entirely your own responsibility & fault #AdamJohnson
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) March 24, 2016
Judge: It was because you were a respected Sunderland footballer that you were able to commit these offences #AdamJohnson
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) March 24, 2016
Judge: You do not have mental illness but are said to have a very high libido. You used status to obtain partners for sexual gratification.
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) March 24, 2016
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.
