Walsh assault claims ‘a cry for help’

A former dance teacher was “crying out for help” when he made unfounded claims he was sexually assaulted by X Factor judge Louis Walsh, an appeal court was told yesterday.

Leonard Watters, aged 24, 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 severity of the sentence.

The father-of-two had pleaded guilty to making up unfounded allegations that Mr Walsh sexually assaulted him in the toilets of Krystle nightclub, Dublin in Apr, 2011. He admitted he made false reports to gardaí at Harcourt Terrace Garda Station, on Jun 20 last and at his home on Jun 28 last.