Rihanna's father Ronald Fenty has launched a scathing attack on Chris Brown after the singer pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the former couple's alleged fight in February.

Rihanna's father Ronald Fenty has launched a scathing attack on Chris Brown after the singer pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the former couple's alleged fight in February.

The R&B star appeared at the Los Angeles County criminal court on Monday, where he was officially charged with assault and making criminal threats.

But Rihanna's father is not happy about Brown's decision to contest the accusations.

"So what happened? Somebody else did this to Rihanna then? I would like to see justice go in the right direction. I don't want his career to be damaged, it's damaged already.

"When you do the crime, you do the time. I don't want to see him locked up for a long time - I just want him to acknowledge and get some help.

"Who did it? If he's not guilty, who did it? He should say he is guilty, and maybe the court will be lenient to him.

"He should let the court decide, see if he gets a fine," said Fenty.

Brown will be back in court for a hearing on April 29.

Brown stood silently as his lawyer Mark Geragos discussed the case with the judge.

Outside court, Rihanna's attorney Donald Etra said his client will do "everything that the law requires her to do", adding: "She would be pleased if this was over quickly."

Rihanna was not in court as she was holidaying in Barbados. - Wenn