R’N’B STAR Chris Brown’s bargain plea – which saved him from a jail term for attacking his pop star ex-girlfriend Rihanna – was yesterday condemned as a “joke” by justice campaigners.
Brown (20) admitted assaulting then girlfriend Rihanna just hours before the pair were due to perform at the Grammy Awards in February. Under the terms of the deal, the singer is unlikely to serve time in prison. Instead he will do six months’ community service and be placed on probation.
Domestic violence campaigners said the recommended sentence sent out the wrong message and could discourage women reporting violence.
Roslyn Muraskin, professor of criminal justice and director of the Long Island Women’s Institute, said: “It is letting him off the hook. What they are doing is letting him off easy. I do not know what it accomplishes. It is laughable. It will discourage people coming forward. It is revolving justice – you get a slap on the wrist and let back on the streets. It is not proper justice, it is a joke.”
Brown was arrested on February 8th, hours after a party in Los Angeles. According to an affidavit filed by an LA police detective, the altercation took place in a car when the Umbrella singer checked Brown’s mobile phone and found a text message from another woman.
Det 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 states. He then allegedly threatened to kill her when she pretended to phone her assistant to get police help.
According to the detective, the assault left Rihanna with a mouthful of blood. Brown is also alleged to have tried to choke Rihanna. Following the attack, pictures showing the female singer’s beaten and swollen face were leaked on to the internet.
In court in LA yesterday, Rihanna had been on standby to give evidence. Instead, after the guilty plea was entered, the singer heard details of a “stay away” order imposed by the judge, Patricia Schnegg.
Under the ruling, the former couple must stay at least 50 yards from each other, except at music industry events where the distance is reduced to 10 yards.
After Brown entered his guilty plea, Judge Schnegg said: “I think it is commendable you took responsibility for your conduct.” The singer, once known for his squeaky-clean image, has lost a number of sponsors as a result of the attack on Rihanna.
As well as carrying out community service, Brown will also have to attend classes on domestic abuse. He will be formally sentenced on August 5th. – (PA)