Adam Johnson appeal: How the process works

Johnson, pictured at his last match for Sunderland in February.

It has been confirmed by Bradford Crown Court today that Adam Johnson has lodged an appeal against his conviction for one count of sexual activity with a child.

The 28-year-old is also reported to be appealing his six-year prison sentence, which was imposed last week for two counts of sexual activity with a child, and grooming.

All of the crimes relate to the same victim, a girl who was 15 at the time.

Johnson admitted kissing and grooming the girl prior to his trial at Bradford, but was convicted of sexually touching the girl by a jury. This is the charge he will appeal.

But how does it work?

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The Appeals Process

• Appeals from crown court are heard by judges of the Queen’s Bench Division (although other High court judges may also sit at the request of the Lord Chief Justice), who share the work of the Court of Appeal with the Lords Justices of Appeal.

• The Lord Chancellor may also appoint a circuit judge to sit with a High Court judge for a criminal appeal.

• The accused’s right of appeal on a point of law from a crown court trial is automatic.

• Other appeals by the accused from a crown court trial require leave of the trial judge or the Court of Appeal.

• The Court of Appeal, may, if it allows the appeal, quash a conviction.

• It may order a new trial at crown court and also has power to substitute a conviction for a different offence.

• It does not have power to increase the sentence imposed by the crown court, but can order that the time spend in custody awaiting the hearing should not count towards the sentence.

Any appeals beyond the Court of Appeal will be heard at the Supreme Court.