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Chris Brown Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Rihanna

8:52 a.m. · June 23, 2009 · by Nick Neyland

Chris Brown appeared at a preliminary hearing in Los Angeles yesterday (June 22), where he faced charges of assault against his former girlfriend, Rihanna. Brown reportedly struck a deal with the prosecutors before proceeding began, meaning he will likely end up serving five years probation and six months of community labor.

Brown pleaded guilty in the case, which is unlikely to end with him serving jail time. The incident stems from a car ride after a Grammy Award party earlier this year, in which Brown is alleged to have beaten Rihanna. His community service will likely involve a Boy George-like stint of picking up trash from the streets. Expect the paparazzi to flock to that when it transpires.

An early ruling in the case from LA County Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg has meant that Brown must stay at least 50 yards away from Rihanna for the next five years, except at industry events, where he must keep 10 yards away. Rihanna was present at the ruling, but may not end up testifying during proceedings.