Man in court over Louis Walsh claims

AN UNEMPLOYED man who accused X Factor judge Louis Walsh of groping him in a nightclub has appeared in court charged with inventing the story.

Leonard Watters is accused of knowingly making a false report to gardai that the pop music mogul indecently assaulted him on a night out in Krystle in Dublin.

The 24-year-old was granted bail on condition that he does not contact Walsh or any member of Westlife.

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Detective Inspector Michael Cryan told Dublin District Court that Watters made no reply when he was charged with the offence before the brief hearing.

He is accused of making the allegation against Walsh at Harcourt Terrace Garda station in the city centre on 20 June.

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

Originally from Navan in County Meath, Watters has told investigating officers he has no fixed address at the moment and plans to stay with a friend.

Judge William Early ordered Watters to pay a €300 (269) bond to secure his release on bail.

Watters must also provide an address within the next 24 hours.

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

Irish music mogul 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.