Tonight:
9°c
New Moon is nothing if not an international advertisement for the hungry virtues of virginity and young people can’t get enough of it
NEW: Some fares could fall by more than a third when Oyster is extended to every national rail station in London, it has emerged
More...
Chris Brown given probation for beating girlfriend Rihanna
By Ed Harris, Evening Standard Last updated at 13:09pm on 26.08.09
Truly sorry: Chris Brown
Former girlfriend: Rihanna
Singer Chris Brown has been sentenced to probation and community work for beating up his former girlfriend, pop star Rihanna.
The 20-year-old R&B star pleaded guilty in June to assault, for repeatedly punching her in a car on their way to the Grammy awards, where they were to perform.
At Los Angeles Superior Court yesterday, Brown was told that he must serve five years probation and perform six months of community labour in his home state of Virginia.
Rihanna, 21, was not in court to see her attacker sentenced for the assault in February, hours after a party in Los Angeles, which left her bleeding and badly bruised.
A newly released court document said: “As he drove, he continued to punch the victim in the face with his right hand while steering the vehicle with his left hand.”
On his website in July, Brown said he was “truly, truly sorry”, adding that it was unacceptable and he had apologised to his victim “countless” times.
Judge Patricia Schnegg told Brown that he could be sent to prison if he did not stay away from Rihanna.
Related articles
Reader views (7)
They are such a lovely couple I do hope they get back together.
- Daniel, London, UK
Such abuse should not be tolerated, it does not matter who they are. Abusers always say they are sorry, the the vicious cycle continues until someone actually gets killed. Once a abuser, always an abuser. He should have recieved a prison sentence, but I suppose celebrities are allowed to get away with serious punishment because of their high profile status. Disgraceful behaviour!
- Rajiv, Birmingham, West Midlands, UK
Its a case of history repeting itself - Chris has said that he watched his Mother being beaten by her partner and said he would never do anything like that - Hopefully this shall shock him into doing something to prevent this happening again
The punishment does not really fit the crime though - but is the sentence that different to a 'civillian' in the same situation??
- Alestare, London
I read in a less reputable newspaper that he has been given 6 months hard labour. The article goes on to talk of him picking up litter. I had breaking rocks in mind. I agree that the sentence is too light.
- Peace Maker, Battersea
How much more serious did it have to be for him to be jailed? Does not give a good message to younger people does it!
- Chetna, London, Hounslow, London
I really cannot understand what the fuss is all about, considering that she might end up going back with him.
Let's not forget they have already been "spotted at the same hotel". SHE WILL BE VERY STUPID TO GO BACK TO HIM. It always starts with a slap, and then after more slapping around before one of the partner is killed, whilst the other goes to jail for his or her death. what a shame!!!!!!!!
- Justinah Sarumi, Lagos, Nigeria
Getting prosecuted in this country, has a lot to do with money and whether your a celebrity or not
- Ray, Wylie, USA
