Sunderland release statement in the wake of Adam Johnson verdict

Sunderland have released a lengthy statement after the jury delivered their verdict in the trial of their former player, Adam Johnson.

Johnson was found guilty by majority verdict on one charge of sexual activity with a child, and not guilty on another charge. The 28-year-old had earlier pleaded guilty to one charge of sexual activity with a child and one charge of grooming.

Explaining that the club could not comment on the case until now, the statement begins by thanking Sunderland supporters for their patience and understanding since the player's arrest, in March 2015.

The statement clarifies the situation around the suspension under which Johnson was placed immediately after his arrest, and the discussions which went on with the Professional Footballers' Association.

It also goes into detail regarding the club's stance on a number of other matters from the case.

Here is the full statement: 

To respect the legal process, Sunderland AFC was unable to comment on this case until after the jury had delivered its verdict. It has now done so and we thank our supporters for their patience and understanding. We now wish to clarify certain matters which arose during the trial.

Mr. Johnson was suspended by the club immediately following his arrest on March 2, 2015. At that time, the club was advised by police of the broad nature of the allegations against Mr. Johnson, who was being advised at all times by his own legal team. The club felt that the decision to suspend was appropriate at that time, even though he had not then been charged with any offence. Two weeks later, his suspension was lifted after a meeting between the club and the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), and after the club took independent legal advice.  The club reached this decision only after carrying out a safeguarding assessment and liaising with relevant agencies. 

On 23 April 2015, Mr. Johnson was charged with four offences.  The club was informed that it was Mr. Johnson’s intention to defend all the charges, a stance he maintained right up until the first day of trial.  The club continued to review the safeguarding procedures it had put in place throughout this time.

On 4 May 2015, an introductory meeting took place between Mr. Johnson, his father and Orlando Pownall QC.  Mr. Pownall had not previously met Mr.  Johnson. The club’s CEO was present during part of that meeting. During the time that she was present there was no suggestion whatsoever that Mr. Johnson would be changing his plea.  Some documents were received relating to the case, which were immediately sent to Mr. Pownall for his attention.  However, the club was not in a position to make any judgment on the outcome of the case nor on Mr. Johnson’s decision to defend all the allegations. Following that meeting, Mr. Johnson again confirmed to the club, presumably on advice from his own legal team, that his intention was to defend the charges in their entirety and he was confident of success once all evidence had been considered. He subsequently entered not guilty pleas to all charges on 6 June 2015.