‘Many people will be shocked and disappointed to learn what you did’
Kasabian’s many fans will be “shocked and disappointed” by frontman Tom Meighan’s drunken assault on his partner, a judge told him yesterday.
The 39-year-old was “heavily intoxicated” when he assaulted her at their home in april this year.
The singer, who announced his departure from the band on Monday, appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court yesterday to admit a single charge of assault by beating.
District Judge nick Watson told the singer that he could have jailed him, but had taken into account his early guilty plea and expressions of remorse. His previous good character and charity work were also factors in the judge’s decision to impose a community sentence rather than sending him to prison.
Mr Watson said: “Taking all of that into account, i find i can impose a sentence which will be served in the community.
“i will add as an aside that i appreciate this case will attract a great deal of publicity and that in some way is a valid punishment for you.
“in some ways it goes with being a public figure.
“i need to take into account not only that you hurt (your partner) but also let down many people – band members and the many people who love your music.
“They will be shocked and disappointed to learn what you did that night.
“i’ve been told you recognise you have a problem with alcohol and i have read reports of your efforts to address your drinking.
“i am also told you have since detoxified at a specialist facility.
“Probation say you are unlikely to offend should you remain abstinent.
“i note you are remorseful.” Meighan has said he is “truly sorry” for the “pain and upset” he has caused, after pleading guilty to assaulting his partner.
He told the Mercury earlier that he was determined to “make amends” for the pain he has caused to those around him.
Mr Watson said he had also considered the victim’s views, adding: “i’m satisfied this is a case where it is not necessary to make a restraining order. she does not want compensation. she wants you to get the help you need.
“i hope you will take the opportunity you have been given and this will be the first and last time you are in a court.
“You are free to go.”