The lead vocalist of rock band Kasabian has been convicted of a drunken assault on his ex-fiancée during the coronavirus lockdown.
Thomas Peter Meighan, 39, otherwise known as Tom Meighan, of Narborough, Leicestershire, admitted one charge of assault by beating when he appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 7th July 2020.
Assault by beating, an offence contrary to section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, has a maximum penalty of 26 weeks' custody on summary conviction.
Prosecutor Naeem Valli outlined the facts of the offence, as captured by a CCTV camera, which took place in Meighan's back garden on 9th April. He described Meighan's offence as "relatively serious" and a "sustained assault" on his then-fiancée, Vikki Ager.
Footage shows that Meighan knocked Ms Ager to the ground, dragged her along by the ankles, pushed her against a hamster cage and put his hands around her throat. He also hit her across the face and threatened to hit her with a wooden pallet.
A child witness dialed 999 as the assault was taking place. The child was described as "panicked and afraid" during the call and Ms Ager could be heard shouting "get off me, get off me" in the background.
Officers arrived and observed that Meighan smelt heavily of alcohol, was uncooperative and aggressive. Ms Ager, who was visibly upset, suffered bruising to her knees, left elbow, outer ankle and big toe as well as a reddening around the neck, which she confirmed to officers was as a result of the assault.
Meighan had initially denied the assault to the police, but admitted the offence when confronted with the "horrible" video evidence.
He cried in the dock as the video was played to the court.
At the start of the hearing Michelle Heeley QC, mitigating, made an application under section 11 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 to have Meighan's address withheld from the public. Press Association reporter Josh Payne opposed Ms Heeley's application, telling the court that an order should not be made "for the comfort and feelings of defendants". District Judge Nick Watson dismissed the application.
Ms Heeley told the court that Meighan "offers his sincere apologies to the people he has let down and he has sought to address his offending behaviour".
Judge Watson, sentencing, said: "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.
"You threatened her with a wooden pallet. It seems you thought better of it, thankfully, and threw it down on the hot tub aggressively. Throughout most of the video she could be seen fighting you off.
"There are a number of things which make this offence more serious. A child was witness to this behaviour and she must have been frightened over what was happening.
"The police have been called before and there is evidence of previous abusive behaviour. Ms Ager says what happened was an isolated event.
"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. I have been told that you have recognised that you have a problem with alcohol."
Judge Watson indicated that the assault crossed the custody threshold, but he was inclined to make a community order given Meighan's personal mitigation - his prompt guilty plea, remorse, previous good character and charitable work.
Meighan was sentenced to an 18 month community order, with the following requirements: 200 hours unpaid work, 3 months alcohol treatment, a minimum of 5 rehabilitation activity days and completion of the Building Better Relationships programme.
He was also ordered to pay £90 victim surcharge and £85 towards prosecution costs.
The Judge did not make a compensation order, as Ms Ager had stated that she did not want to receive compensation. Having considered Ms Ager's views, the Judge also decided it was unnecessary to impose a restraining order.
An order was made under section 45 of the Youth Crime and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, preventing the publication of any information that might lead to the identification of the child concerned.
You can read Judge Watson's full sentencing remarks here.
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