Chris Brown avoids jail but has to stay away from Rihanna for 5 years

Chris Brown might have avoided a spell in jail after he pleaded guilty to assaulting his ex-girlfriend Rihanna, but he will have to do with a Rihanna double for the next few years and perhaps a few stolen glances at the MTV Music Awards.

His lawyer Mark Geragos made a plea bargain just hours before his ex was due to testify in court in Los Angeles, meaning she didn’t have to take the stand.

Brown, 20, was ordered to serve 6 months hard labour in his home state of Virginia and told he must stay at least 50 yards away from Rihanna for the next five years (although the limit is reduced to 10 yards for any public events).

He will also serve five years probation for felony assault, and his progress with be monitored by the court at regular three-month intervals.

The singer was also made to enrol in a domestic violence counselling program.

Brown also lost some key rights, which included: To own a gun, to sit on a jury, subject to search and seizure without a search warrant and now has limitations on travel.

Brown will return to court on August 5.

Outside court, Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney, told reporters Brown’s plea deal was “similar to those in other cases where defendants are charged with this type of felony, and its a first-time offence.”