Former Spitfire Ben Johnson granted bail by appeal court

Former Windsor Spitfire Ben Johnson will be released from jail after the Ontario Court of Appeal on Tuesday granted him bail, pending the appeal of his sexual assault conviction.

Last week, Johnson wassentenced to three years in prison for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in the bathroom of a downtown Windsor bar on St. Patrick's Day in 2013.

• Ben Johnson found guilty of sexual assault
• Former Spitfire Ben Johnson sentenced to 3 years in prison

Johnson is expected to be released from jail no later than Wednesday, explained Toronto defence lawyer Alison Craig.

"There was some argument as to the potential merits of his appeal and whether or not it would be in the public's interest for him to be released and, ultimately, he was granted bail," she said.

Throughout the trial, which wrapped up in September, Johnson's lawyers maintained their client never had sex with the teen, suggesting other consensual contact was made in the bathroom of the bar.

Craig appeared in court Tuesday on behalf Johnson's new lawyerJames Lockyer.

Johnson's next court appearance has yet to be determined.