Los Angeles  - Young soul crooner Chris Brown pleaded guilty Monday to one count of assault against his former girlfriend Rihanna and will serve five years of probation and six months of community service.

Brown, 20, entered the plea prior to the start of a preliminary hearing on numerous assault charges stemming from a February 8 incident in which he was alleged to have struck Rihanna, 21, the night before the annual Grammy music awards show.

Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg praised Brown for reaching the plea deal: "I think it's commendable you took responsibility for your conduct."

She also imposed a stay-away order that prevents Brown and Rihanna from being within 50 metres of each other, except at industry events where the distance is lowered to 10 metres. After Brown left the courtroom, Rihanna entered to hear details of the judge's order. (dpa)