text: Sunderland are under pressure to suspend England star Adam Johnson after he was charged with grooming and three counts of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. Johnson, 27, has been bailed to appear before Peterlee magistrates on May 20 — the same day Sunderland travel to Arsenal — where it is expected the case will be sent to the Crown Court. If found guilty, Johnson faces a lengthy prison term. Sunderland chiefs held talks on Thursday to decide Johnson’s future, knowing that if they suspend their top scorer he would miss the club’s remaining six games. They are just a point above the Barclays Premier League drop zone and travel to Stoke tomorrow. Adam Johnson leaves Peterlee police station after being charged with three offences of sexual activity . Johnson leaves the Peterlee police station after learning of the charges against him . The 27-year-old looks on during Sunderland's 1-0 Premier League win against Newcastle earlier this month . Johnson was suspended by the club after his arrest on March 2 but that was lifted when his bail was extended by five weeks a fortnight later. He returned to training under new boss Dick Advocaat and has featured as a substitute in Sunderland’s last three matches, including the 1-0 derby win over Newcastle. The suspension could now be reimposed. Johnson is accused of three offences of sexual activity with a child, contrary to Section 9 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The offences are alleged to have taken place between December 30 last year and February 26. Johnson has also been charged with meeting a child following sexual grooming under Section 15 of the same Act. Gerry Wareham, CPS chief Crown prosecutor for the North East, said: ‘Following an investigation by Durham Police, I have today authorised police to charge Adam Johnson, aged 27, with four offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Johnson will now appear at Peterlee Magistrates Court on May 20 . The England international (right) was wearing a black tracksuit as he attended the hearing in County Durham . Johnson was accompanied by his lawyer as the Sunderland winger arrived at the police station on Thursday . ‘The offences are alleged to have been committed on one girl aged 15 at the time. We have reviewed the available evidence in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and concluded that there is a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to charge Adam Johnson. ‘Durham Police have charged the defendant accordingly and he is due to appear before Peterlee Magistrates on May 20. It is important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could prejudice these proceedings. The complainant in this case is entitled to lifelong anonymity under the law.’ Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.
target: Adam Johnson charged with three offences of sexual activity with girl, 15 .
  Winger also facing charge of grooming and had been bailed until May 20 .
  Sunderland chiefs held talks Thursday night to discuss Johnson's future .
  READ: Johnson charged with three offences of sexual activity with a child .
  READ: Johnson's Sunderland future in doubt .