SUNDERLAND and England footballer Adam Johnson has indicated he will plead not guilty to child sex offence charges.

The 27-year-old was arrested at his mansion in Castle Eden, east Durham, in March after he was accused of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.

The winger walked into Peterlee Magistrates’ Court today hand-in-hand with his partner Stacey Flounders this morning.

The court was told, three counts of sexual activity with a child were alleged to have taken place on one night in January at two locations in County Durham.

He allegedly groomed the girl between December 2014 and February.

Johnson, who was dressed in a grey suit and white open-necked shirt, spoke only to confirm his name and address and to confirm that he understood the charges.

His girlfriend , who wore a beige jacket and black jeans, looked on impassively in the public gallery as the charges were put to Johnson.

Although no formal pleas were entered during the five-minute hearing his solicitor, Paul Morris, indicated he would deny the charges.

Prosecuter Jim Hope said: “The offences are all linked and all need to be tied up at a crown court”.

The case was sent to Durham Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on June 3.

During the hearing, Johnson was asked for his name, date of birth and address, which he confirmed.

Sitting at the side of the courtroom, he only spoke again to confirm that he understood the four charges which were read out by the clerk.

Ms Flounders sat in the back row of the court.

He did not comment as he left court with Ms Flounders and was driven away in a 4X4.

Mr Johnson, who was granted conditional bail, has played 12 times for England.

Born in Sunderland and brought up in Easington, County Durham, Johnson began his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Manchester City and then Sunderland for £10m in 2012.

The dad was initially suspended when he was arrested and then reinstated by his club.

After his bail was extended by police, the decision was taken to allow the player to return to play for the squad while the investigation continued.

Johnson had been due to appear before JPs on Wednesday, but the hearing was moved forward to today.

The Black Cats are due to play against Arsenal on Wednesday night at the Emirates Stadium, with the final match of the season on Sunday afternoon, which is also an away fixture.

Meanwhile, Gerry Wareham, the Crown Prosecution Service’s chief crown prosecutor for the North-East, has previously issued a reminder highlighting Johnson has the right to a fair trial.

He has warned there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.