I agree with most of your comment there Sunderpitt though would just highlight that there is a difference between suspending without pay (which is seen as prejudicial as you are punishing someone before they have had a fair trial) and suspending with pay (which is seen as non prejudicial). The latter is regularly used by companies in such situations and also for most internal disciplinary procedures for serious offences (for instance if you think an employee has stolen something you may take a few days to hold a disciplinary meeting but are likely to suspend in the meantime as you possibly no longer trust having them on your premises). To have suspended AJ without pay would have been legally stupid but to suspend with pay is pretty normal and was widely expected. Not sure if he's got off lightly here or if he'd prefer to be out of the limelight anyway but I don't think the club have acted sensibly. Their call though so fair enough.
SUNDERLAND star Adam Johnson will now appear before a court on Monday to face sex offence charges. http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/...-for-sunderland-player-adam-johnson-1-7261605
Bottom of that article says "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 and set out how it is “very important” that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings." So why was his name allowed to get to the press in the first place? There was a story on the radio a couple of weeks ago where they said "a 23 year old man gas been arrested and charged for sexually abusing a 13 year old girl" not "23 year old fred blogs from fencehouses" no... A 23 year old. No identity, nothing.
It is a police "tactic" where they "release" the name in the hope that other victims come forward to "solidify" their case - it was discussed in parliament after Cliff Richards' name was released
In the absence of other 'victims', eye witnesses or stained underwear, it will be his word against hers and he will win. I still wouldn't rule out a 'settlement' without any trial going ahead. I think the girl is hanging on a bit more for a better price. Disclaimer: these are just my uninformed views and not based on anything concrete.
The police have gathered the evidence, electronic and otherwise, that could reveal AJ was aware of her age or used such language that it could be considered grooming. The CPS are prosecuting so fingers crossed the case is not a trong one.
In my experience of the CPS they probably dont have any credible evidence but are just chancing it hoping they get a guilty plea. I have personal experience of this in a complex dangerous driving case in which I was completely innocent. They hounded me right up until the day of the trial to plead guilty. A short trial and a not guilty verdict. Still it cost me solictors fees and a lot of time and stress. I have no faith in our legal system at all. I suspect Johnson has a strong case which is why the club are letting him play. Thats just speculation though.
Sounds bloody awful Vegas. The one thing that bothers me though is the grooming charge which shows pre-meditation. I'm just making an assumption that a charge like that would need electronic evidence to support it, texts, call logs etc, and if that exists, it wouldn't look good. Just assumptions though, someone here will be better informed than me on that. I just hope that justice is done one way or the other.
They don't need any real evidence thanks to the Public Interest rule. See the Michael Le Vele case of how little evidence they need to drag a celeb to court. They could have charged him to cover their own backs in case they get it wrong by letting him of and he does commit a crime. All these public interest case achieve is identifying a yet to be found guilty man and a route for the police to pass the buck and cover their own arse.
Civil court mate, you were acquitted so you'll win a civil case to recoup your fees and get compo for the stress. I don't like the suing culture that's creeping in but it's important for reasons like with you. It's just justice for yourself.
Adam Johnson could be recalled to the Sunderland line-up for the last two games of the season after Dick Advocaat hinted at the winger’s importance for the season’s finale. Johnson has not started for Sunderland since February’s defeat at Manchester United after being arrested and then charged with three offences of sexual activity with a child under 16 and one of grooming, From the moment he came on, Johnson changed the game a little bit Dick Advocaat The 27-year-old is due to appear at Peterlee Magistrates Court today after his court date was moved forward 48 hours to avoid clashing with Wednesday’s trip to Arsenal. But for the second successive game, Johnson made a bright impression as a substitute in Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Leicester, as he injected some much-needed creativity into Sunderland’s ranks. And while Sunderland only require a point from the last two games at Arsenal and Chelsea to be mathematically sure of Premier League football, Advocaat could include the £10million man for the trips to the Emirates and Stamford Bridge. Advocaat said: “From the moment he came on, Johnson changed the game a little bit, but unfortunately this season, he hasn’t been there. “Hopefully he can play the next two games. “Overall, I cannot have too many complaints against Leicester, because the players gave everything for the club. “Then you need a bit of luck like we had against Everton. “But it was very crowded in the penalty area, so that’s when you need someone like Johnson. “We got that at the end with Adam.” Johnson’s potential inclusion reinforces Advocaat’s claim that he will not “park the bus” at Arsenal, even though a point will suffice for Sunderland. Advocaat believes playing for a draw would be a dangerous game-plan considering the array of attacking talent in Arsenal’s ranks. “If you go out there to defend, then they have so much individual quality,” he added. “You have to try to play your own game and then maybe you have a chance. “The circumstances are excellent, great stadium, excellent pitch, a team that likes to play football. “Let’s find that one point we still need.”
When AJ came on he was plus by creating a couple of chances; when Bridcutt went off that was plus as well, as he was such a minus, also as Bridcutt (or Tyrion Lannister, as he is known in his 2nd job) is obviously not premier league footballer..he needs to stay in acting. As for the the *****phile charges against Johnson, if he is guilty and found so, then I hope he is sent down for along time. If it is all a fuss about nothing I hope the family concerned and the prosecution service get a bollocking if some shape or fashion.
England footballer Adam Johnson walked with his partner into court where he faced three offences of sexual activity with a girl under 16 and one of grooming. The 27-year-old Sunderland star held hands with Stacey Flounders as they arrived at Peterlee Magistrates' Court. The winger was arrested in March after he was accused of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. The three counts of sexual activity with a child were said to have taken place on one night in January at two locations in County Durham while the meeting a child after sexual grooming offence was said to have happened between December and February. The winger, who has played 12 times for England, lives in a mansion in Castle Eden, County Durham. Born in Sunderland, Johnson began his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Manchester City and then Sunderland for £10 million in 2012. During the five-minute hearing, his solicitor, Paul Morris, indicated he would plead not guilty. No pleas were entered today. The case was sent to Durham Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on June 3. Looks like that`s it. No more until June 3rd now.
Aye, he only needed to confirm his identity and intentions. Even the preliminary hearing will be short, he'll give his formal plee, they'll pick the jury, bail will be granted and then a trial date given.
The courts certainly drag these things out...All in the name of more bloody money for them me thinks..
June 3rd is sharp IMO. Good for all involved as well Still don't see how he can have a fair trial at a north east crown Court. High potential there could be Sunderland and Newcastle fans on the jury.
