14 DAY TRIAL // A judge has sentenced 19-year-old singer Chris Brown to five years on probation on the charge of assault in the domestic violence case of assault on former girlfriend Rihanna. He must also stay away from her for the entire duration of the probation, obey all laws and not own any weapons, including guns and knives. Brown must also complete a domestic violence program, perform 180 days of community service and pay legal fees, TMZ informs.
Once documents were presented in court only hours ago, it also emerged that the February 8 incident was not an isolated one, Rihanna complaining about at least two other separate occasions when Brown physically abused her. At the same time, police documents revealed exactly what happened on the night of the much mediated assault, when Brown lashed out at Rihanna as they were driving home in a rented car, a vehicle that Brown left on the side of the road when he thought someone called 911 after hearing Rihanna’s screams – with her in it, battered and bruised.
“The judge placed Brown on felony probation for 60 months – 5 years. He must obey all laws. He must report to probation within 72 hours. Brown can perform community labor in Virginia. [The judge] wants reports from the domestic violence program in Richmond, VA. Brown must keep in touch with the Probation Department. He is subject to search and seizure 24/7 for the next 5 years. […] He must complete a 52 week domestic violence program sponsored by the Commonwealth Catholic Charities. Brown must personally come to court every 3 months during his probation. The first appearance will be November 19.” TMZ writes of the sentence Brown received.
The singer is also to stay away from Rihanna for five years: 100 yards at all times and at least ten yards when attending an entertainment-related event together. He is not allowed to speak or try to make contact with her, even by means of a third party. Brown must also pay “$2,500 in restitution. He’ll have to pay another $2,500 in probation expenses. He must also pay a $30 criminal conviction fee – BARGAIN! He must also pay $400 that goes into a domestic violence fund.” TMZ further writes. He is to surrender all firearms in his possession in the next 24 hours and give authorities a DNA sample. Under the sentence, he cannot leave the country without the judge’s approval.
While in court, Brown said he wanted to plead guilty ever since the charges against him were formulated, but his attorney would not let him. He agreed to all conditions set by the judge even before she was through with enlisting them all, TMZ adds. The judge insisted that Brown would perform serious community work – that is, not picking garbage in parks but rather washing cars and graffiti removal.
For the full account of what exactly happened on February 8 in the car that Brown was driving, as per police documents, please see here.