Man charged over false sex assault claim against Louis Walsh

A dance teacher accused of making a false allegation of sexual assault against X Factor judge Louis Walsh was told yesterday to stay away from the pop impresario and all of the members of Westlife.

Leonard Watters (24), a father-of-two, faces up to five years in prison if he is convicted of making the false claim that the music manager attacked him in the toilets of Krystle nightclub after a Westlife concert in the O2 last April. Mr Watters was arrested in Navan, Co Meath - where he is from - on Tuesday and appeared before Dublin District Court yesterday.

Dressed in dark blue jeans and a black jacket, he was brought before Judge William Early charged under Section 12 of the Criminal Law Act (1976) for making a false report to gardai on June 20 at Harcourt Terrace Garda station.

Detective Inspector Michael Cryan told the court that Mr Watters was charged at Pearse Street Garda station in Dublin shortly before midday yesterday and said "no reply" before he was handed a copy of the charge.

Det Insp Cryan asked that Mr Watters stay away from Krystle nightclub and have no contact with Louis Walsh, members of Westlife and any potential witnesses in the case as part of the terms of bail.

Judge Early imposed the conditions and set bail at €300.

Mr Watters was not required to speak during the brief hearing.

Mr Watters is due to appear in court again on September 7.

Source: belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Gardai told Mr Walsh on Monday evening that the claims made