Sunderland winger Adam Johnson has been bailed until June 3 on child sex charges after appearing at Peterlee Magistrates' Court this morning.

Last month, the 27-year-old was charged with three offences of alleged sexual activity with a child under 16, and one offence of grooming.

Johnson, who arrived at court hand in hand with his girlfriend Stacey Flounders, did not enter a plea, but his lawyer indicated to the court that the footballer would plead not guilty, according to The Northern Echo.

The former Manchester City player has been released on conditional bail and ordered to appear at Durham Crown Court on June 3.

Johnson will be free to play in the Black Cats' final Premier League games of the season against Arsenal and Chelsea.