Showbiz

Rihanna 'wants leniency in Brown case'

Published Wednesday, Aug 5 2009, 21:18 BST | By Oli Simpson

Rex Features

Rihanna has reportedly lodged an appeal for the restraining order against Chris Brown to be removed.

Due to face sentencing today for assaulting ex-girlfriend Rihanna in February, Brown is expected to be given a five-year probation and 180 days of community service as well as an order not to come within 50 yards of the 'Disturbia' singer.

However, Rihanna's lawyer Donald Etra issued a statement through People, saying: "If asked, we will tell the court that all that's necessary is a level one order: That Brown not annoy, molest or harass her.

"No stay-away order was ever requested by Rihanna, nor did she ever believe it was necessary."

Although Rihanna will not attend today's hearing, Brown is expected to be present.

The R&B star, who was recently seen reunited with Rihanna at the Trump International Hotel in Manhattan, is allegedly preparing to fulfil the sentence in his home state of Virginia. He will also be required to undergo domestic violence classes for a year.

Further reports suggest that the charge against Brown for making criminal threats is also likely to be dropped.