Judge delays Chris Brown assault sentence

Singer Chris Brown will have to wait three weeks to hear his sentence for beating his former girlfriend, pop star Rihanna.

The 20-year-old arrived at a Los Angeles court yesterday to hear his punishment, but was told the session had been postponed to August 27.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg is allowing more time for authorities in Virginia to respond over whether Brown would be able to carry out community work in his home state.

He has admitted one count of felony assault relating to an incident that happened hours before the pair were due to perform at the Grammy Awards in February.

Under the terms of a plea bargain agreed with prosecutors, he is expected to be handed a sentence of five years’ probation and six months of community service.

The judge said yesterday that Virginia had yet to respond to her query over whether Brown would be able to serve community labour, rather than community service.

She has previously stated that she wants Brown to do work such as graffiti removal or roadside cleaning. Brown has indicated that he wants to serve his sentence in Virginia.

The singer was arrested on February 8, hours after a party in Los Angeles.

According to an affidavit filed by an LA detective, the attack took place in a car when Rihanna checked Brown’s mobile phone and found a text message from another woman.

Detective De Shon Andrews wrote that Brown attempted to push Rihanna out of the vehicle before punching her repeatedly. He also bit her ear, the affidavit said.

Following the incident, pictures apparently showing the female singer’s beaten and swollen face were leaked on to the internet.

Earlier this month, Brown apologised publicly for his behaviour.

The recommended sentence has been criticised by domestic abuse campaigners who claim that it is too lenient.