(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Chris Brown is now allowed near Rihanna, after a judge amended his restraining order.

The singer assaulted his then-girlfriend in February 2009, and was sentenced to five years probation, six months community labour, 52 weeks of domestic violence classes and ordered to stay away from her for five years following the altercation.

As part of the original order Chris had to stay at least 50 feet away from Rihanna, reduced to ten feet at industry events. There has been speculation both he and the Barbados-born singer were keen for this to be lifted, and yesterday Chris appeared in court to get the terms changed.

Chris attended a Los Angeles court with his attorney Mark Geragos, where Judge Patricia Schnegg made the amendment. I'm approving the order, she said, changing it to a level one variety. You can't annoy, molest, or conduct surveillance of the person on the order.

Rihanna did not attend the hearing, although her lawyer Donald Etra was there. He confirmed Rihanna was happy for the legislation to be altered.

I have spoken with my client, and she does not object to it being modified to a level one order, he said.

Chris completed his domestic violence classes in December, and the previous month his progress was praised by Judge Schnegg. Of all probationers I've ever had, and I've had thousands of probationers, no one has ever done a better or more consistent job than you have, she said.

Chris felony charge stemmed from an altercation in his car, during which he punched, bit and choked Rihanna. (C) Cover Media