Durham police have warned internet users that it is a crime to identify alleged sexual assault victims ahead of England footballer Adam Johnson’s child sexual assault trial.
The force said officers would deal robustly with anyone who broke the law by naming the 15-year-old schoolgirl at the centre of the Johnson case.
The Sunderland midfielder, 28, is due to go on trial on Friday accused of two child sexual assault charges.
Johnson, capped 12 times for England, appeared at Bradford crown court on Wednesday to plead guilty to one count of grooming and one count of engaging in sexual activity with a child. He denies two other allegations.
The Durham police warning is the second in just over a year, after online trolls purportedly named the alleged victim following Johnson’s arrest on 3 March.
The force said in a statement: “Durham constabulary has reiterated that anyone who identifies someone who may or may not be a victim of a sexual offence is committing a criminal act.
“Victims of sexual assault are guaranteed the legal right to lifetime anonymity, and publishing any details, including on social media, which may lead to their identification, is contrary to the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.
“Durham constabulary wishes to remind social media users and anyone else who breaks the law that they will be dealt with robustly.”
