Former Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan has spoken out for the primary time concerning the assault conviction which resulted in his departure from the band earlier this 12 months.
Meighan parted methods with the Leicester group back in July to be able to “focus all his energies on getting his life again on monitor”, before appearing at Leicester Magistrates Court to face a charge of assault against his partner Vikki Ager.
He pleaded responsible and was subsequently sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work. Ager hit her head on a hamster cage after being thrown throughout a room by the singer, who had additionally threatened to hit her with a wood pallet. The couple have now relocated to Cornwall.
In a brand new interview with CornwallLive, Ager and Meighan described the incident as a “one-off” and a “drunken squabble” – with the singer apologising as soon as extra.
“We had an excessive amount of to drink,” mentioned Meighan. “I remorse all the things that occurred that night time – what I can bear in mind of it. I don’t condone it – it’s horrific. I like my associate to items.”
He continued: “I used to be at a boiling level in my life – I didn’t know the place issues have been heading. I used to be drowning myself with drink due to my issues and issues occurring round me. We had a battle and I took the brunt for it. I used to be absolutely chargeable for what occurred however we love one another and we’re getting over it.”
Tom Meighan (Image: Getty)
Ager informed the publication it was a “one-off” incident and claimed Meighan had by no means beforehand expressed violence. The singer admitted that the incident should have been “heartbreaking” for his Kasabian bandmates, however says he’s now specializing in recording a solo album.
He’s now being represented by Coalition Music Alliance, forward of the file’s deliberate launch.
“I can’t say if the band will ever get again collectively once more,” Meighan added. “It’s uncooked – it’s like a wounded animal, it’s contaminated however the an infection’s dying out now. I spent my life with them … and it should be heartbreaking for them as properly to have seen me like that.”
In October, it was additionally reported that Meighan has been removed from the companies that deal with Kasabian’s dwell exhibits and merchandise gross sales, which means that he received’t obtain a share of the long run income from both.
After Kasabian initially introduced that Meighan would be stepping down as frontman “by mutual consent”, the band then issued a second statement in which they elaborated on Meighan’s exit after the courtroom case had closed.
“There may be completely no means we are able to condone his assault conviction,” they wrote, and have been due to this fact “left with no alternative however to ask Tom to depart the band”.
For assist, help and recommendation relating to home abuse, go to Refuge here or name the freephone, 24-hour Nationwide Home Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
