Chris Brown appeared in court on June 22 and pleaded guilty to assaulting ex-girlfriend Rihanna, which likely spared him jail time.

The 20-year-old singer will be sentenced to five years probation and 180 days community service, expected to include picking up rubbish and graffiti removal. He must also complete a year of domestic violence classes and pay a fine.

Had Chris pleaded not guilty, he could have faced four years imprisonment for the assault, which took place in February after the couple attended a pre-Grammys party together. There was uproar earlier this year after a photo of Rihanna’s battered face was leaked by someone inside the LAPD.

Chris was also ordered to keep at least 50 yards away from Rihanna, except at industry events such as award ceremonies, where the distance is reduced to 10 yards. He is also banned from phoning, texting or emailing his ex.

Rihanna was in the courtroom but, due to the guilty plea, she did not have to face questioning.

Brown’s formal sentencing is scheduled to take place on August 5.

Follow me on Twitter!