Chris Brown Sentenced to 5 Years' Probation

A judge today sentenced Chris Brown to five years' probation and six months' community labor for the beating of Rihanna, then ordered the R&B singer to stay away from his former girlfriend for the next five years. The judge told Brown he could be sent to state prison if he violated any terms of his sentence, including an order to stay 100 yards away from Rihanna unless they're attending music industry events. Rihanna did not attend today's sentencing.

Brown will serve his sentence in his home state of Virginia, and his community labor (graffiti removal, car washing, etc.) will be overseen by the police chief in Richmond. The judge said she was aware of reports that Brown had been spotted on several occasions in the same places as Rihanna. "I am not amused with the chatter that has been on the airwaves, and any violation of your probation in this case comes with the potential for state prison." Brown pleaded guilty in June to one count of felony assault. (More Chris Brown stories.)