LONDON (AP) — Britain says U.S. singer Chris Brown has been denied entry into the United Kingdom, postponing his tour.

Brown had been scheduled to perform in London, Manchester, Birmingham and the Scottish city of Glasgow but the British government’s Home Office said he had been refused a visa because of his past criminal record.

Last year Brown was sentenced to five years’ probation and six months of community service for the beating of his then-girlfriend, R&B singing sensation Rihanna.

The Home Office said Brown applied for his visa last week and should have been notified of its refusal Monday.

Promoter SJM concerts said Tuesday that Brown’s tour had been postponed “due to unforeseen circumstances.”

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.