Brown's plea deal over Rihanna assault 'a joke'

Brown's plea deal over Rihanna assault 'a joke'

Chris Brown's plea deal -- which saved him from a jail term for attacking his pop star ex-girlfriend Rihanna -- was yesterday condemned as "a joke" by justice campaigners.

The 20-year-old R'n'B star 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 bargain, Brown is likely to serve no jail time. 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, said: "It is letting him off the hook. What they are doing is letting him off easy. It is laughable.

Justice

"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 8, 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 found a text message from another woman on Brown's phone.

Brown then tried to push Rihanna out of the vehicle before punching her repeatedly. He also bit her ear. He then allegedly threatened to kill her.