Los Angeles judge praises Chris Brown’s probation progress in case involving Rihanna beating

Judge praises Chris Brown’s probation progress

LOS ANGELES — A judge on Thursday praised Chris Brown for diligence in completing the terms of his probation for last year’s attack on his then-girlfriend, Rihanna.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia M. Schnegg said Brown hasn’t missed a session of domestic violence counseling and completed 32 days of community labor in Virginia.

“It looks like you’re doing really, really well,” Schnegg said. “That’s always good to see.”

Brown spoke only once during the brief hearing, telling the judge “thank you” after her comments.

The R&B singer was sentenced last year to five years of probation and six months of community labor after pleading guilty to felony assault. He was charged after an attack on Rihanna hours before the 2009 Grammy Awards.

Brown was permitted to serve probation in his home state of Virginia, but the judge wanted him to return to court in Los Angeles for frequent updates.

Schnegg also ruled Thursday that Brown, 20, can travel out of the United States for concert dates in May and June. The countries Brown is permitted to travel to weren’t immediately disclosed.

Brown will be back in court May 11 for another update. “By the time you come back, you’ll be way over halfway there,” Schnegg told Brown.

Before his arrest last year, Brown had a squeaky-clean image and was known for his dance moves and his hit “Run It!” His latest album, “Graffiti,” was released in December.