Restraining order lifted

Rule change allows star to be contacted by ex...

13:43 23 February 2011

A judge has lifted the restraining order that prevented Chris Brown from coming near his R&B superstar ex, Rihanna.

The amended order enables Brown to be near and talk to the 23-year-old Bajan singer, as long as he does not harass or annoy her.

Brown, 21, had previously been required to stay at least 50 yards away from Rihanna, or 10 yards if at an industry event, as part of his sentencing for assaulting her in 2009.

RihannaÂ’s lawyer told a court hearing that she gave her blessing to the changes.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg warned Brown:

“You can't annoy, molest or conduct surveillance of the person on the order.”

As well as the restraining order, singer Brown was sentenced to five years probation, 1,400 hours of community service and forced to attend a domestic violence counselling course after he admitted assaulting Rihanna on 8 February 2009.

He completed the 52-week course in December 2010 and reportedly received glowing reviews during his probation progress hearings.