Crucial court date looms for Chris Brown

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Chris Brown’s felony assault case is about to enter a key phase.

The R&B singer is due back in court Monday afternoon for a preliminary hearing that could feature testimony from Rihanna and a crucial ruling by a judge in Los Angeles.

Brown was arrested in February on suspicion of hitting and threatening then-girlfriend Rihanna after a pre-Grammy party.

A judge will decide after listening to testimony whether the case against Brown should continue to trial.

Dozens of reporters have signed up to cover Monday’s hearing, which is expected to last several hours.

Rihanna’s attorney, Donald Etra, says the 21-year-old singer will appear and testify if she is called to the stand.