A judge on Wednesday postponed the sentencing of R&B singer Chris Brown to make sure his punishment for assaulting former girlfriend Rihanna would include physical labor such as road cleanup.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg rescheduled the sentencing to August 27 to give court officials time to arrange the community service that Brown, 20, must perform as part of a plea deal he made in June on an assault charge.

Brown, whose hits include "Kiss Kiss," pleaded guilty to punching Rihanna, 21, until she was bloodied and bruised on the eve of the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles in February.

He agreed to serve five years probation, attend classes on domestic violence and perform 180 days of community service, which is expected to take place in his home state of Virginia.

Schnegg said she wanted to be assured that Brown would be doing physical work as part of his community service.

The incident between the two young singers sparked an outcry from their fans and groups that offer support and services to victims of domestic abuse.

Last month Brown issued his first public apology, calling his loss of control that night in February, "unacceptable, 100 percent," and asking for forgiveness.

(China Daily/Agencies August 6, 2009)