LONDON: R&B star CHRIS BROWN has been sentenced to five years probation and ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from his ex-girlfriend RIHANNA for the same period of time.

The singer, who reached a plea deal with prosecutors in June (09) in an effort to avoid jail, was in court on Tuesday (25Aug09) for sentencing in relation to his attack on the Umbrella singer.

Los Angeles County Superior Court judge Patricia Schnegg also ordered Brown to take a year-long domestic violence prevention class. He also faces six months of hard community labour in his native Virginia.

Brown was arrested in February (09) for beating and threatening Rihanna during an argument following a pre-Grammy Awards party.

Both stars pulled out of their planned performances at the awards show immediately after the incident.

The sentencing will also cost Brown almost $6,000 (£4,000) - $5,000 (£3,300) in restitution and probation expenses. He must also pay a small criminal conviction fee and a $400 (£266) to a domestic violence fund.

Outside court, Rihanna's lawyer Donald Etra said there were "no surprises" in the sentencing.

Speaking of his client, Etra said, "She was advised of what the plea agreement would be and she did not object that... The court just imposed the sentence envisaged by the plea agreement.

"She's doing fine and she's pursuing her career... She's tremendously appreciative of the support her family, her friends and her fans have given her throughout the world."