Chirs Brown pleaded not guilty aganiest the charge

19 years old Singer Chris Brown will appear in court Monday as "intense" negotiations continue on a plea deal over his alleged beating of girlfriend Rihanna, a source told the Daily News.Singer Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to charges arising from an alleged attack on his girlfriend, the R&B star Rihanna.

The charges stem from an alleged altercation between the couple on the early hours of 8 February. A photograph of Rihanna's bruised and battered face appeared on the internet.According to police, Brown slammed Rihanna's head against the passenger window, repeatedly punched her in the face and bit her ear and finger.He is also said to have held her in a headlock and told her: "I'm going to kill you."

The photo reportedly showing Rihanna                                         Rihanna after alleged attack

Chris Brown pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges that he threatened and assaulted his girlfriend, singer Rihanna. Brown arrived 25 minutes late for the 3pm arraignment, amid a flurry of last-minute plea bargain rumours. Rihanna was not present.

After judge Patricia Schnegg read the charges, of assaulting Rihanna "by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury" and of threatening to commit a crime "which would result in death and great bodily injury", the 19-year-old murmured his plea. "Not guilty, your honour," he said. They were the only words Brown spoke in court.

The singer spent less than 15 minutes at the Los Angeles superior court, entering his plea and then departing in a black SUV, escorted by four bodyguards.

Brown later said that he was "sorry and saddened" about the incident. He faces up to four years in prison if convicted.

The judge set another hearing for April 29.

Although Brown's attorney did not make a statement to the press, a lawyer for Rihanna spoke to reporters after the hearing. Donald Etra confirmed that Rihanna is in her native Barbados but would testify if subpoenaed. Asked directly if his client thought Brown is guilty, Etra said, "Her position on the case is to leave the matters of guilt or innocence to the judge and or defence counsel".