A Los Angeles judge has praised Chris Brown for the progress he has shown in completing the stipulations of his probation.

The singer was sentenced last year to five years of probation after pleading guilty to assaulting former girlfriend Rihanna.

LA Superior Court Judge Patricia M. Schnegg said yesterday that Brown had attended all of his domestic violence counselling sessions.

The singer has also successfully completed 32 days of community labour in Virginia.

"It looks like you're doing really, really well," Schnegg said. "That's always good to see."

The judge also ruled that Brown, who was present in court yesterday, could embark on worldwide live dates in May and June.

The singer is due to appear in court again in May for a further progress report, according to the Associated Press.

(by Jason Gregory)