England soccer international Adam Johnson told a court today of his "stupidity" in kissing a 15-year-old girl, but denied allegations of sexual contact with her.
Johnson, who is accused of sexual activity with a child, gave evidence in his trial.
The former Sunderland winger has admitted to kissing her.
Johnson told the jury he knew kissing the girl was an offense, but didn't realize that communicating with her with the intention of kissing her was also an offense.
Junior prosecutor Daniel Thomas read a statement that Johnson made for police.
He said Johnson admitted to kissing the girl "fully on the lips" during a meeting in his car on January 30 last year.
"I accept the stupidity of my actions," Thomas read from Johnson's statement.
He said Johnson described his actions as "wholly unacceptable," and said he withdrew from any further contact with the girl because of her age and his own personal situation.
"She's a child and ought to have been safe in my company," the statement said.
Johnson later described his online messages to the girl as "flirty" and "inappropriate."
"I'm ashamed that I did that and I know I shouldn't have been doing that," he said.
When asked how he felt now about the messages, he said: "Embarrassed. Awful. I shouldn't have ever done it."
The trial was adjourned until tomorrow.
