Los Angeles ( CNN ) -- Chris Brown does n't have to worry anymore that bumping into ex-girlfriend Rihanna could get him locked up , but he still has to be careful about what he says to her . Los Angeles County Judge Patricia Schnegg lifted the `` stay away '' order imposed on Brown two years ago after he was charged with assaulting the singer on the eve of the 2009 Grammys . `` He just ca n't bother her , '' lawyer Donald Etra , who represents Rihanna , said after Tuesday 's hearing . A protective order banning Brown from harassing , stalking or striking Rihanna stays in place , the judge said . There are no restrictions on Brown calling or otherwise communicating with her , Etra said . Brown , 21 , sat silently next to defense lawyer Mark Geragos in court during Tuesday 's hearing . Brown was sentenced in August 2009 to serve five years probation and to spend more than 1,400 hours in `` labor-oriented service '' for the assault conviction . He was also ordered to complete a 52-week domestic violence program . Brown `` has done a very good job of completing the domestic violence program in a timely manner , '' Schnegg said Tuesday . She said she would review Brown 's progress on his community service requirement , which he is doing in his hometown of Richmond , Virginia , at a June 22 hearing . The restraining order previously required Brown to stay 50 yards away from Rihanna , 10 yards if the two are at the same industry event . It was set to expire in 2014 , but Brown 's lawyer asked the judge to lift it early . Schnegg delayed approving the request at the last hearing until she could hear from Rihanna 's lawyer . `` I have spoken to my client , and she does not object to the reduction to the stay away order , '' Etra told the judge Tuesday . Brown was arrested after an early morning argument inside a rented Lamborghini on a Hollywood street on February 8 , 2009 . According to Brown 's probation report , the argument began over an incident at a Beverly Hills party . An earlier , sworn statement by Los Angeles Police Detective DeShon Andrews said the incident began when Rihanna found a text message on his cell phone from `` a woman who Brown had a previous sexual relationship with . '' The pair argued while in the car driven by Brown , the police statement said . It went on to describe the assault in great detail , saying Brown punched Rihanna -- identified in the statement by her real first name , Robyn , and the first initial of her last name , Fenty -- numerous times and put her in a headlock , restricting her breathing and causing her to start to lose consciousness . He threatened to beat her and kill her , according to the statement , and he bit her ear and her fingers . Eventually , the statement said , `` Robyn F. began screaming for help and Brown exited the vehicle and walked away . A resident in the neighborhood heard Robyn F. 's plea for help and called 911 , causing a police response . An investigation was conducted and Robyn F. was issued a domestic violence emergency protective order . '' The detective said Brown sent a text message nine days later , apologizing . Rihanna 's injuries included cuts and bruises inflicted by a large ring on Brown 's right hand , which he used to punch her , the probation report said . `` Officers at the scene observed numerous contusions and abrasions to the victim 's face and forehead , as well as bruising to her left arm near the bicep , '' it said . `` They also saw abrasions to her arms near both wrists and on her upper chest near her collarbone and around her neck . There were abrasions on her left leg and on the inside of her upper lips . '' Rihanna declined to speak to the probation investigator , so the probation report 's details were gathered from police detectives who interviewed her soon after the attack . `` He beat me up , '' Rihanna told the police , the report said . Brown made a public apology in July 2009 , in a video statement posted on his personal Web site . `` I have told Rihanna countless times , and I 'm telling you today , that I 'm truly , truly sorry in that I was n't able to handle the situation both differently and better , '' Brown said in the Web site statement . `` What I did was unacceptable , 100 percent . I can only ask and pray that you forgive me . Please . ''
A judge lifts the `` stay away '' order keeping the singers apart . The order was imposed after Brown was charged with assaulting Rihanna . Brown is doing `` a very good job '' of meeting his probation terms , the judge says .