Shamed footballer Adam Johnson to 'launch fresh appeal against child sex conviction'

Former Sunderland star Adam Johnson is to launch a new appeal against child sex charges, according to his sister.

The ex-England interntional, 29, had begun the process of appealing against both sentence and conviction, after he was jailed for six years in March for engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old schoolgirl.

Ahead of his trial at Bradford Crown Court, he admitted a further count of engaging in sexual activity with the victim and one count of grooming.

He was cleared of another count of sexual activity with a child.

Last week it was confirmed by the former Middlesbrough and Manchester City player's lawyers that his request for an appeal had been thrown out by a judge.

Johnson's sister Faye last night tweeted: "The renewal of Adams appeal documents have been lodged today," followed by a praying emoji.

Johnson has now put his Â£1.9million mansion in Castle Eden up for sale since his imprisonment.