Adam Johnson

Margaret Byrne resigns as Sunderland CEO after Adam Johnson’s child abuse case

IRISH businesswoman Margaret Byrne has resigned from her position as Sunderland AFC chief executive in the wake of the Adam Johnson child abuse case.

Former England international Johnson was last week found guilty of one count of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl and the Premier League club have been criticised for prolonging his contract throughout his trial.
It had been alleged in court, by Johnson’s counsel Orlando Pownall, that Byrne was aware that the 28-year-old kissed and groomed the minor as she had transcripts of police interviews in which the footballer admitted to his crimes.
Johnson was only ever suspended by the club for two weeks in the aftermath of being charged over a year ago and went on to play a further 28 times for the Black Cats before being sacked in February for pleading guilty to one count of sexual activity and one count of grooming his victim.
He faces four to ten years in prison.
For her part in the decision allow Johnson to continue playing, Armagh native Byrne admitted making a “serious error of judgement” and took “full responsibility” in a statement announcing her resignation.

…Mr Johnson remained innocent until proven guilty and I was concerned that any action taken by the club against him may be misinterpreted as a judgment on the club’s part as to his guilt at a time when he steadfastly maintained his determination to plead not guilty and fight the charges.
On that basis I recommended to the Board that Mr Johnson should be allowed to play for the club, pending trial.
Mr Johnson’s victim has endured a terrible ordeal and for that I am truly sorry…
…To this end and for the long-term good of the club and its staff, I have stepped down as CEO with immediate effect.
Margaret Byrne

I guess she felt guilty check out this tweet