AN UNEMPLOYED DANCE teacher who made false claims that he was sexually assulated by pop mogul Louis Walsh, has lost an appeal against his six month prison sentence.
Leonard Watters (25) from Navan Co. Meath, had pleaded guilty to making two false reports to Gardaì that the X-Factor judge sexually assaulted him in Dublin nightclub Krystle in April 2011. However, he launched an appeal contesting the severity of the sentence, which was originally handed down in January.
Pleading for leniency, his solicitor Cahir O’Higgins told the court that Watters suffered from-post traumatic stress as a result of an accident in which he received severe burns when he was a child. He had developed a chronic alcohol problem and also attempted suicide. Watters actions, he said, were a “cry for help”.
However, Judge Katherine Delahunt said that alcohol could not be used as an excuse. She noted that he continued with his “charade” until he was confronted with CCTV footage from the club, which disputed his claims. He later admitted to making up the allegation.
Judge Delahunt imposed an 11-month sentence but suspended the final five months on condition that he is supervised by his probation officer and deals with his alcoholism.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say