Chris Brown given probation for beating 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.