Former Kasabian lead singer Tom Meighan has pleaded guilty to assaulting his former fiancée in a drunken rage.
The singer, who announced yesterday he had left the band to “get his life back on track”, pleaded guilty to assaulting former partner Vikki Ager at Leicester Magistrates’ Court today.
He admitted to attacking his then-partner in an alcohol-fuelled rage in the back garden of their home.
The incident was caught on CCTV and shows him striking his victim and dragging her by her ankles during the coronavirus lockdown in April.
His lawyer said the fact he is appearing in court charged with a domestic attack is a “personal humiliation, but he has nobody but himself to blame”.
(Image: PA)
Meighan originally denied an assault had taken place but after watching video footage, he told officers he could not watch it any further because it was “horrible”.
The court heard a child witnessed the assault and contacted 999 to say a “domestic incident was taking place”.
Prosecutor Naeem Valli said the child “sounded panicked and afraid” while making the call and the victim could be heard saying “get off me, get off me”.
Mr Valli said officers described Vikki Ager as being “visibly upset” while Meighan was said to be “unco-operative and aggressive”
The court also heard Ms Ager suffered bruising to her knees, left elbow, outer ankle and big toe as well as a reddening around the neck, which she confirmed to police was as a result of the assault.
Prosecutor Naeem Valli told the court the offence “could be argued to be relatively serious” – describing it as a “sustained assault”.
Meighan has been sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work.
The 39-year-old’s guilty plea comes just one day after he left Kasabian in a shock statement.
A statement from the band read: “Tom Meighan is stepping down from Kasabian by mutual consent.
“Tom has struggled with personal issues that have affected his behaviour for quite some time and now wants to concentrate all his energies on getting his life back on track.
“We will not be commenting further.”
After the announcement, Tom took to his own Twitter account to tell 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.”
Tom’s shock departure from the band came after they were forced to cancel a huge concert in Leicester’s Victoria Park last month.
It had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the future of the gig could now be uncertain after Tom’s departure.
He had been the lead vocalist of the band ever since they formed in Leicester in 1997.
It is not yet known if the band are planning to replace him.
Kasabian have released six studio albums – their last release being 2017’s For Crying Out Loud.
Over the years, Kasabian have been recognised with several major music accolades including a Brit Award in 2010 for Best British Group.
They also headlined Glastonbury Music Festival in 2014 and in the same year they were named ‘Best Live Act at the Q Awards – an award they also took home at the 2007 and 2018 NME Awards.
