Louis Walsh sex claims man charged

A man (24) has been charged with falsely accusing music industry manager judge Louis Walsh of indecent assault at a Dublin nightclub.








Leonard Watters, who was granted bail on condition he does not contact Walsh or anyone from the Westlife band, is charged with making a false report to gardaí. He appeared at a brief sitting of the Dublin District Court just before 1pm.



Walsh has described the investigation over the last week as hugely distressing.



Mr Watters was charged under section 12 of the Criminal Law Act, and penalties for the offence range from a €500 fine to five years in prison.



The accused has told investigating officers he has no fixed abode, but the court heard he is from Navan, Co Meath.



Judge William Early granted bail on a total of three conditions. As well as avoiding contact with Walsh and Westlife, he must not interfere with any other potential witnesses and must provide an address within the next 24 hours.



The court was told Mr Watters, who was ordered to pay a €300 bond to secure his release on bail, is unemployed.



The accused made no reply when charged, arresting officer Det Insp Michael Cryan told the court.



There was no objection to bail from the State solicitor and the case was adjourned until September 7th at the District Court.



Music industry manager Walsh became a judge on The X Factor in 2004 and is the only remaining member of the original panel. He has managed a number of groups and performers, including boy bands Boyzone and Westlife.