Kasabian singer Tom Meighan ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work for assaulting ex-fiancée

Tom Meighan appears in court. Credit: PA Wire/PA Images

Former Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan has been ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work for assaulting his ex-fiancee Vikki Ager.

The 39-year-old appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to assaulting Vikki Ager on April 9 this year.

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 Vikki 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”.

Sentencing Tom Meighan, District Judge Nick Watson told the former Kasabian frontman: "Ms Ager has not made a statement to police and does not appear to support this prosecution."

"Of course, that choice does not mean I should treat this offence any less seriously."

"You knocked Ms Ager over on more than one occasion and put your hands to her throat.

"You hit her in the face and pushed her into a hamster cage, which resulted in injury to her head."

Meighan recently announced he was leaving Kasabian to deal with "personal issues". Credit: BPM Media

He quit Kasabian on Monday, with the band releasing a statement saying he was dealing with “personal issues” and wanted to concentrate on “getting his life back on track”.

He 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.”

Sentencing Meighan to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, the judge 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."

The judge continued: "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’s departure from Kasabian leaves guitarist Serge Pizzorno and bassist Chris Edwards as the only remaining founding members, with current drummer Ian Matthews joining the group in 2004.

It is not clear whether Kasabian will seek to replace Meighan as lead vocalist.