Former Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan has admitted assaulting his ex-fiancée.
The singer appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where he pleaded guilty to assaulting Vikki Ager on 9 April this year.
Meighan’s court appearance came less than 24 hours after Kasabian announced his departure from the band.
The court 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 officers 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, of Narborough, 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”.
District Judge Nick Watson sentenced Meighan to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.
Kasabian announced Tom’s departure on Monday, saying in a statement: “Kasabian have announced today that Tom Meighan is stepping down from the band 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.”
Meighan subsequently wrote on Twitter: “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.”
The Leicester-based band, which Meighan co-founded as a student in the late 90s, say they “will not be commenting further”.
Kasabian, who went on an extended break last year, features guitarist Serge Pizzorno, bassist Chris Edwards and drummer Ian Matthews.
They had been due to play a huge return gig in their home city last month, but were left “absolutely brokenhearted” after the coronavirus pandemic led to its cancellation.
It is not yet clear if the band, who released their sixth album For Crying Out Loud in 2017, intend on replacing Meighan.
If you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you are not in immediate danger, you can contact:
- The Freephone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run by Refuge: 0808 2000 247
- In Scotland, contact Scotland’s 24 hour Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline: 0800 027 1234
- In Northern Ireland, contact the 24 hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline: 0808 802 1414
- In Wales, contact the 24 hour Life Fear Free Helpline on 0808 80 10 800.
- National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428
- Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
- Respect helpline (for anyone worried about their own behaviour): 0808 802 0321