Well, kind of. He doesn't have to go to prison as it's his "first offence". So, for all you insecure neanderthalic meat heads: you can beat the missus up at least once and get away with it! HIGH FIVE!!!

A last minute plea bargain from the Brown camp means he's avoided jail time. According to CNN: "Under terms of the agreement, Brown will serve five years of probation and complete 180 days of community service. Los Angeles Criminal Court Judge Patricia Schnegg said Brown could apply to have his supervised probation transferred to Virginia, where he maintains his legal residence. He also can complete his community service there, she said, but it would have to meet the court's standards. "I want Mr. Brown treated as any other defendant who comes to this court," Schnegg said. Brown must also undergo domestic violence counseling, she said. But the judge noted he has no prior criminal record."

Judge Patricia added: "I think it is commendable you took responsibility for your conduct." How, exactly? By first pleading not guilty and then backing down at the last minute? Or by thrashing around on a jet ski while his girlfriend hides away until the bruises heal?

The only good things to come of this is that Rihanna didn't need to take the stand (she was ushered into the court, once Brown left, to be informed of the situation. It would've been of interest to us but she probably doesn't need the extra stress). Brown also must stay 50 yards away from Rihanna at all times for the next five years (bar public events, whereupon the limit is reduced to 10 yards).

Here's a wee reminder, courtesy of TMZ, of what "allegedly" happened on February 8th:

"Rihanna told cops the brawl began after she spotted a text message in her then-beau's phone from 'a woman Brown had a previous sexual relationship with.' As the argument escalated, Brown slammed Rihanna's head into the passenger window, punched her in the left eye, and then pummeled her with his right hand as he steered with the left, according to an affidavit written by Detective DeShon Andrews. Rihanna began spitting up blood as Brown allegedly raged, 'I'm going to beat the s*** out of you when we get home!' The bruised songbird called her assistant: 'I'm on my way home, make sure the cops are there when I get there!' But the warning pushed Brown further over the edge, cops said - and he made more threats. 'You just did the stupidest thing ever! Now I'm really going to kill you!' Brown allegedly shouted, unleashing another series of punches."

Chris Brown will be formally sentenced/left off to do a bit of community service on August 5th.