Flatley wins damages from sexual assault accuser

Dancing superstar Michael Flatley has won a €7.48m settlement against a woman who falsely accused him of sexual assault.

The 'Lord Of The Dance' and 'Riverdance' star was awarded the damages on Friday over malicious claims made against him by American Tyna Marie Robertson.

In a statement released through his publicist over the weekend, Flatley said: "I am very pleased with the judgment awarded to me.

"Ms Robertson tried to extort money from me by spreading these lies and the court sent a message that it will not tolerate these types of schemes."

Robertson alleged Flatley had raped her in a Las Vegas hotel in 2002.

She threatened to file a sexual assault lawsuit unless Flatley agreed to pay a "seven figures" settlement, according to court papers.