Former Sunderland and Manchester City winger Adam Johnson has been released from prison after serving half of his six-year sentence for child sex offences. The 31-year-old was driven out of HMP Moorland in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, in a Mercedes people carrier with blacked-out rear windows, followed by a police van. The vehicle later arrived at his mansion in Castle Eden, County Durham.
Johnson was sentenced in 2016 for engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old fan. He admitted kissing the girl and grooming her, but denied claims of digital penetration and oral sex. A jury found him guilty of sexual activity involving digital penetration, but cleared him of the oral sex charge. The judge described Johnson as having lied repeatedly, particularly regarding the timing of his guilty pleas, which allowed him to continue his £60,000-a-week career with Sunderland.
As a registered sex offender, Johnson must provide his address and bank details to police, and inform them of any travel abroad. The local council may also conduct risk assessments concerning his daughter Ayla, potentially restricting unsupervised time with her.
Johnson's father, Dave Johnson, was seen driving the vehicle and briefly spoke to reporters at the family home, stating it was good to have his son back and that a statement might be issued later.
