Paedophile ex-footballer Adam Johnson is believed to have been released from prison today after serving half of a six-year sentence for child sex offences.
It is understood the former England winger was collected by his father in the early hours from Moorland Prison near Doncaster.
Images show Dave Johnson driving a blacked-out Mercedes people carrier from the prison, closely followed by a police van.
The same vehicle later arrived at the footballer’s home in Castle Eden, County Durham.
The 31-year-old former Sunderland and Manchester City player was jailed in 2016 for sexual activity with a besotted 15-year-old fan.
Johnson, who was capped 12 times by England, remains on licence and will no longer be permitted to spend time alone with his four-year-old daughter Ayla.
Following his early release he is set to be closely watched by officials, despite not being issued with a criminal tag.
He will need to keep in touch in a supervisor and live permanently at an address given to supervisors.
Johnson faces an uphill battle to try to resurrect his football career, with the Football League clubs within a daily commute of his home all saying they would not contemplate signing him.
One chief executive said he could not envisage any club offering him a way back into the game given the nature of his conviction and the backlash it would cause.
As a sex offender, Johnson will have to register his address and bank details with police and inform officers of any intention to travel abroad.
He will also have to hand over his bank card in order to prevent him accessing paid-for porn sites.
Speaking to The Sun, a source said: “Johnson will be treated like any other convicted sex offender. He’s a free man, but it comes at a heavy price.”
The disgraced footballer said during a leaked video from his time in prison that he hoped to revive his playing career overseas,
But strict visa and criminal records checks in countries including the US, China, Australia and some middle Eastern countries limit his opportunities.
Family and friends are understood to be preparing a “knees-up” at his home to celebrate his release.
His sister, Faye, who has spoken out regularly in his defence on social media, was spotted clutching “welcome home” balloons yesterday.
Johnson, who earned £60,000 a week as a player, was jailed for six years at Bradford crown court in March 2016.
Judge Jonathan Rose said he had caused the girl “severe psychological harm”.
His ex-girlfriend Stacey Flounders, 29, said his lies “destroyed” her life.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman declined to comment.
