Man appeals sentence for fake Walsh assault claim

A man described as a “Walter Mitty” has launched an appeal against his jail sentence for concocting allegations that he was sexually assaulted by X Factor judge Louis Walsh.

Leonard Watters, aged 24, a father of two from Woodview, Navan, Co Meath, was given a six-month term in January at Dublin District Court, but was released within minutes after he lodged papers to appeal the sentence.

The former dance teacher had pleaded guilty to making up unfounded claims that the pop guru sexually assaulted him in the toilets of the Krystle nightclub, in Dublin city centre, in Apr 2011.