As reported yesterday, Tom Meighan departed the rock band Kasabian due to "personal issues."

It has now emerged that Tom Meighan appeared in court to face a charge of assault.

According to the official Kasabian Twitter account, the lead singer left the band "by mututal consent."

According to the statement, Meighan wanted "to concentrate all his energies on getting his life back on track."

The singer also tweeted: "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. TM x #TomMeighan #Kasabian"

 

The former frontman was due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court, accused of assault by beating in an alleged incident that occured on April 9.

According to The Sun (via The Mirror), the assault charge involves his girlfriend.

Tom Meighan has not commented publicly on the allegation.

A source said: "The guys all love Tom dearly, but the current situation is untenable. Sadly parting ways for the time being was the only answer."

Meighan was Kasabian's lead singer since its formation in 1997. It remains unclear as to whether the band will seek a replacement.

 

UPDATE: Daily Mirror senior reporter Martin Fricker reported the latest on the Meighan case via Twitter today.

He wrote: "Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan has admitted attacking his girlfriend in a booze-fuelled rage. CCTV shows him striking the victim and dragging her by her ankles into the back garden of their home during lockdown in April.

"Meighan's lawyer said the fact he is appearing in court charged with a domestic attack is a "personal humiliation, but he has nobody but himself to blame"."

His lawyer also said: "Music has been a great passion in his life and to lose the opportunity to play with his band is a huge personal loss, but something he accepts is of his own making."

The District Judge described the case as a "sustained attack" and a "violation of the trust and security that should exist between partners". He also told Meighan "I could send you to prison for this".

The singer was ultimately sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid community work.

See the full thread below.