Tom Meighan, the vocalist for English rock band Kasabian, has pleaded guilty to assaulting his ex-fiancee. He appeared on Tuesday, July 7, at the Leicester Magistrates' Court.
The band frontman faced allegations of assaulting his ex-fiancee, Vikki Ager. According to Billboard, the closed-circuit television footage (CCTV) of his attack was played in court. The 39-year-old musician reportedly "wiped his eyes and held his head in his hands."
British news portal NME also adds that the court heard Tom Meghan "smelt heavily of intoxicants" during the incident. The assault against Vikki Ager occurred on April 9. Moreover, a child allegedly was the witness who called 999 to report that a "domestic incident was taking place." 999 is UK's official emergency number.
Prosecutor Naeem Valli pulled out police reports which described Ager as "visibly upset." Meanwhile, Meighan was reportedly "un-cooperative and aggressive."
The assault left Tom Meighan's ex-fiancee with bruises to her knees. She was also bruised in her left elbow, outer ankle, and toe.
Vikki Ager also suffered reddening around the neck. Ager said that it was also from the assault.
Speaking for Tom Meighan, lawyer Michelle Heeley said that the vocalist "offers his sincere apologies to the people he has let down." Heeley added: "he has sought to address his offending behavior."
As a result, Meighan is sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work.
Right after Tom Meighan left Kasabian
Tom Meighan's court appearance and sentence follow the band's statement of Meighan's departure on Monday, July 6. In their official Twitter account, the band released a statement. "Tom Meighan is stepping down from Kasabian by mutual consent," the band said. It further explained that their vocalist has struggled with his personal issues, which apparently affected his behavior.
The band statement said that Meighan "now wants to concentrate all his energies on getting his life back on track." They ended their statement by noting that they won't be commenting any further.
Meighan corroborated the statement with his tweet. He responded after the news of his departure from the band. The former vocalist assured his fans that he is doing well.
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 #TomMeighan #Kasabian — Tom Meighan (@MeighanOfficial) July 6, 2020
"I'm in a really good place now," the vocalist wrote. He then thanked everyone for their love and support. "I'll be seeing you all very soon. TM x #TomMeighan #Kasabian," Meighan's tweet concluded.
Kasabian and other side projects
Meighan is best known as the vocalist and co-founder of the rock band Kasabian. Since the band's inception in 1997 in Leicester, Tom has sung lead vocals. As such, he has performed on most of the band's materials. His works included their six studio albums starting with the eponymous debut album in 2004 to their latest "For Crying Out Loud" in 2007.
He is often likened to fellow British frontman Liam Gallagher of Oasis and Beady Eye. Gallagher won a poll for the greatest frontman in the music publication Q. In the same poll, Meighan finished 19th.
Aside from his career with the Leicester-based band, Tom Meighan also sang the lead vocals for other bands. He was in the 2010 Superevolver track "Viva La Revolution." Meighan also lent his vocals for another 2010 single. He sang for The Lysergic Suite's "Ghosts on Crusade."
In 2013, Meighan collaborated with Andrew "Wottee Watnot" Wattie to form the hip-hop and rock fusion "Mic Rockers."
