Tom Meighan: Former Kasabian singer admits ex-fiancee assault

Image copyright PA Media Image caption Tom Meighan's departure from the band was announced on Monday

Former Kasabian singer Tom Meighan has pleaded guilty to assaulting his former fiancee.

The 39-year-old admitted at Leicester Magistrates' Court attacking Vikki Ager on the evening of 9 April.

The court heard a child had witnessed the assault and contacted 999 to report that a "domestic incident was taking place".

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.

On Monday, the group announced Meighan had stepped down from the band in order to deal with "personal issues".

Prosecutor Naeem Valli said the "sustained assault" had left Ms Ager with bruises to her knees, elbow, ankle and "a reddening around her neck".

The court was told Meighan "smelt heavily of intoxicants" as he assaulted her.

Image copyright PA Media Image caption Meighan, pictured in 2018 at the Isle of Wight Festival, had been in the band for 23 years

Meighan, of Narborough, originally denied an assault had taken place but after watching video footage, he told police he could not watch it any further because it was "horrible".

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".

He added officers described Ms Ager as being "visibly upset" while Meighan was said to be acting "aggressive" and unwilling to co-operate.

As CCTV of the attack was shown in court, Meighan wiped his eyes with a tissue and held his head in his hands.

Defending, Michelle Healey QC said Meighan felt "deep remorse" and a sense of "personal humiliation - but he has nobody but himself to blame".

She added he had faced a "battle with alcohol" and that "to lose the opportunity to perform with the band he loves and people he loves is a huge personal loss".

Sentencing, 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."

Kasabian formed in 1997 and reached the UK charts with their third single Club Foot in 2004. Major success came with albums Empire in 2006 and West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum in 2009, which featured a string of hits including Underdog and Fire.

Meighan's departure leaves guitarist Serge Pizzorno and bassist Chris Edwards as the only remaining founding members.

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