LOS ANGELES — Chris Brown pleaded guilty Monday to one count of felony assault after being arrested in February for beating his former girlfriend, fellow R&B star Rihanna.
The 20-year-old singer was sentenced to five years probation and 180 days of community labor. He must also complete a year of domestic violence classes, and pay fines. His attorney, Mark Geragos, said the "Kiss Kiss" singer plans to move to his home state of Virginia, where he'll complete his labor duties.
Brown was also ordered to stay at least 50 yards away from the 21-year-old Rihanna, except at industry functions where the minimum distance is 10 yards. He reached the plea deal just prior to a scheduled preliminary hearing, in which Rihanna had been subpoenaed to take the stand and testify.
Brown pleaded not guilty in April to the two felony charges against him — assault and making criminal threats. Shortly thereafter, his attorney was granted a delay in the case by L.A. Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg. Geragos used the time to look into a police photo that was leaked shortly after Brown's arrest. The graphic shot appeared to be of a bruised-up Rihanna and Geragos told E! News that he would seek to have the case dismissed if the leak came from within.
Brown was charged nearly a month after the couple got into a fight while driving in the early morning hours of Feb. 8. According to a detective's affidavit, the argument began after Rihanna found a text message from another woman on Brown's cell phone.
As the fight ensued, Brown pulled the car over and attempted to push Rihanna out of the vehicle, but she was wearing a seatbelt at the time. He then pushed the singer's head against the car window and punched her before continuing to drive and hit her. Brown also allegedly bit Rihanna on the ear, the affidavit said.
At one point, Rihanna made a fake phone call to her assistant, asking her to have the police waiting once she arrived. The phony message reportedly led to Brown making an alleged threat to kill Rihanna.
Brown turned himself into authorities later that evening. He was arrested and later released on $50,000 bail.
The incident took place on the day of the Grammy Awards, in which both stars were scheduled to perform. Both singers canceled their appearances.
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