US singer Chris Brown leaves a UK court after pleading guilty to affray during a 2023 London nightclub brawl (Brook Mitchell)

American singer Chris Brown avoided jail when sentenced by a UK court Monday after pleading guilty to a public order offence during a 2023 brawl at a London nightclub.

The former boyfriend of music sensation Rihanna was handed an eight-month jail term suspended for a year -- meaning he will not be imprisoned unless he commits another offence during the period.

Brown, 37, who wore a black face mask, sunglasses and black baseball cap when he arrived at Southwark Crown Court in London, had admitted to affray at an appearance in July.