Former Kasabian lead vocalist Tom Meighan appeared in court today on assault charges, just one day after it was announced that he is exiting the British rock band.

The 39-year-old appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court, having been accused of assault by beating on April 9, 2020.

It comes after Kasabian announced the singer's abrupt departure from the band yesterday, releasing a statement saying he was dealing with "personal issues" and is focused on "getting his life back on track".

Meighan reassured fans he was doing well after the statement was released, writing on social media:

"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."

The rock band was formed by Meighan, songwriter and guitarist Serge Pizzorno, bass player Chris Edwards and lead guitarist Chris Karloff while they were at school in 1997.

Karloff left the band in 2006 due to "artistic and creative differences".

Pizzorno and Edwards are currently the only remaining founding members, after drummer Ian Matthews was enlisted to the group in 2004.

The Leicester band had been due to play a huge homecoming gig in their Victoria Park last month, with the pandemic leading to the show's eventual cancellation.

Meighan said the band was "solid" and were planning their seventh album, despite the gig's cancellation leaving Kasabian "broken-hearted".