Paedophile footballer Adam Johnson has reunited with his ex-girlfriend - who is weeks from giving birth to their second child.
Johnson, 34, was convicted for sexual activity with a child and sentenced to six years in prison in March 2016. He was released after serving half the sentence in March 2019.
He has since kept a low profile but got back together with former flame Stacey Flounders, 31, during lockdown.
The couple, who share daughter Ayla, broke up during Johnson's trial after Flounders learned he had repeatedly cheated on her.
At the time, she branded him an 'arrogant cheat' and said he had ruined her life.
Paedophile footballer Adam Johnson has reunited with his ex-girlfriend Stacey Flounders (pictured with Johnson at Bradford Crown Court in February 2016) and she is weeks from giving birth to their second child
But sources told the Sun she never hated him or viewed him as a paedophile, despite his conviction for sexual activity with a 15-year-old fan.
A friend said: 'Stacey never thought of Adam as a paedophile. She knew he made mistakes and was furious with him for all of his cheating.
'But she never hated him. He insists he has learned the error of his ways and has promised he will never cheat again.
The couple started rebuilding their life together during lockdown 'when they were spending lots of time with each other looking after their daughter', the source added.
'She thinks he is a brilliant dad. This is a new chapter in their lives and Stacey couldn't be happier. But make no mistake - she will not be messed around.
'These last few years have really toughened her up and, although she has forgiven Adam, there will be no second chances.'
They pair are reportedly considering a move abroad.
The pair (pictured in 2012) met in 2011 and had moved in together in 2012 after he signed for Sunderland. Flounders split from Johnson after he was convicted for sexual activity with a child in 2016
After his conviction, Johnson was sacked by Sunderland and saw his £10,000 sponsorship deal with adidas ripped up
Flounders stood by the former England winger during his trial for child sex offences before he was convicted of sexually touching a schoolgirl fan who he had groomed online.
But during the trial it was revealed Johnson had engaged in sexual activity with the 15-year-old fan only three weeks after the birth of their daughter.
Bradford Crown Court heard he had texted the teen fan arranging to meet her in his Range Rover with a pair of signed shirts.
He later messaged her a series of flirty texts and asked for a second meeting.
Johnson later claimed they kissed, but nothing more, but the victims alleged more serious sexual activity took place.
The trial heard Johnson suggested they would get into the back of the car, talked about how turned on she had been, and said he wanted to get her jeans off.
It also emerged he had texted the teen fan telling her much he enjoyed their encounter while also texting Flounders about their newborn child.
She gave evidence in his defence at his trial, telling the court she did not see a future for their relationship but they would remain friends.
The couple split around the time of the jury's verdicts and her friends said
