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Kasabian's Former Frontman Tom Meighan Pleads Guilty To Assault A Day After Quitting The Band

Kasabian's Former Frontman Tom Meighan Pleads Guilty To Assault A Day After Quitting The Band

The 39-year-old arrived at Leicester Magistrates' Court this morning

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Kasabian's former frontman Tom Meighan has pleaded guilty to a charge of assault, a day after announcing his departure from the band.

Kasabian singer Tom Meighan arrives at Leicester Magistrates' Court.
PA

The 39-year-old arrived at Leicester Magistrates' Court this morning (7 July) and pleaded guilty to assaulting his former fiancee Vikki Ager on 9 April, earlier this year.

Ms Ager and Meighan got engaged in 2017 following his split from long-term girlfriend Kim James - who moved out with their daughter Mimi Malone.

According to the BBC, the court was told how a child witnessed the assault and contacted 999 to report a 'domestic incident was taking place'.

PA

Meighan was given an 18-month community order and told to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work. He will also be required to complete five days of rehabilitation and ordered to pay a £90 victim surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs. No restraining order has been imposed.

The court appearance comes a day after the band announced that he would be quitting - after being the lead vocalist since they former in 1997.

After the news of him leaving broke, Tom tweeted to say that he's doing well and in a 'really good place'.

He told fans: "Following today's announcement I just wanted to let you all know that I am doing well. I'm in a really good place now. Thanks for all your love and support. I'll be seeing you all very soon. TM x"

The court heard from prosecutor, Naeem Valli, that the 'sustained assault' left Ms Ager with bruising to her knees, elbow, ankle and 'reddening around her neck'.

Mr Valli told the hearing the child 'sounded panicked and afraid' while making the call and the victim could be heard saying 'get off me, get off me'.

The BBC report that as CCTV of the attack was played in court, Meighan held his head in his hands and wiped his eyes with a tissue.

PA

Michelle Healey QC, who was representing Meighan, told the court that the singer felt 'deep remorse' and a sense of 'personal humiliation' but added that he 'has nobody but himself to blame'.

Touching on the departure from Kasabian, she said: "To lose the opportunity to perform with the band he loves and people he loves is a huge personal loss".

Sentencing Meighan, district judge Nick Watson said: "I need to take account of the fact that not only did you hurt Ms Ager, you also let down many people - band members and those who love your music. They will be shocked about what you did that night."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, News, Music