Louis Walsh sexual assault case dropped

X-Factor judge Louis Walsh spoke of his relief today after being told that police have dropped a sexual assault case against him.

A 24-year-old man claimed last week that the Irish music mogul had groped him in the lavatories of a Dublin hotel. But police sources said the alleged victim's statement was not backed up by CCTV footage and he is said to have changed his story during interviews.

In a statement, Walsh, 58, said: "While I obviously welcome today's confirmation from the Garda that the matter has been dropped I remain outraged that this story ran in the first place in the Sun and I have instructed my libel lawyer to vigorously pursue legal action against the paper."

He added: "This has been a hugely distressing time for me but I would like to thank all my friends and colleagues for their support."

Former X Factor judge Simon Cowell and members of the band Westlife were with Walsh on the night of the alleged assault and spoke out in his defence.