Former Kasabian Vocalist Pleads Guilty To Assaulting Ex-Fiancee
Tuesday, 07 July 2020
Written by Huw Baines
Tom Meighan (left)
Former Kasabian vocalist Tom Meighan has pleaded guilty to assaulting his ex-fiancee.
Having announced his departure from the band on Monday, he appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on July 7, admitting to attacking Vicki Ager on April 9. He was sentenced to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.
The Guardian reports that video footage showed Meighan striking Ager and dragging her by the ankles. Ager suffered a series of injuries in the incident, including bruising and “reddening around the neck”.
District judge Nick Watson described Meighan’s actions, which were witnessed by a child who called 999, as a “sustained attack” and a “violation of the trust and security that should exist between partners”. “I could have sent you to prison for this,” he observed.
“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,” he added. “They will be shocked about what you did that night. I have been told that you have recognised that you have a problem with alcohol.”
Meighan left Kasabian by “mutual consent” earlier this week. In a statement, the band said: “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.”
In a message posted to his personal Twitter, Meighan added: "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."
UPDATE 08/07: Kasabian have since offered a second statement. "There is no way we can condone his assault conviction. Domestic violence and abuse of any kind is totally unacceptable," they wrote.
Now that the legal proceedings have been concluded, we can comment on the departure of Tom Meighan from the band. Full statement below. Kasabian x pic.twitter.com/vP7Y61sxQA
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