Justin Bieber Could Face Charges for 'Spitting on Neighbour'

Pop singer Justin Bieber could face criminal charges after allegedly spitting on and threatening his neighbour in an argument over driving.

The Canadian star could be charged with battery after the incident at his £4.27 million home in Calabases, California, an LA Sheriff's department source told TMZ.com.

Car sales tycoon Jeff Schwartz alleges that on 26 March he confronted Bieber about his racing at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour in his sports car on the streets of their exclusive estate, and the Grammy-nominated singer spat in his face and threatened to kill him.

Schwartz's wife Suzie told TMZ: "He deserves to be charged over this. Justin Bieber is a punk. Spitting on someone is unacceptable. He can't do this to people."

The incident is the latest in a series of controversies that have surrounded Bieber in recent weeks.

In January, radio host Colette Harrington alleges that, while her back was turned, Bieber or one of his entourage spat the soft drink Gatorade into her water as she was working out in the Ritz Carlton hotel gym in Charlotte, North Carolina. Earlier she had approached Bieber for an autograph and he had refused.

Earlier this month, Bieber enraged fans in London when he showed up two hours late for a gig, left the stage early at another performance complaining of breathing difficulties and then threatened to attack a press photographer.

Last week Bieber was stopped by customs officials in Germany after allegedly attempting to smuggle his pet monkey Mally into the country, and could face prosecution.

Celebrities including Will.i.am, Will Smith and Nick Carter, formerly of boyband the Backstreet Boys have reportedly offered Bieber support.

Singer Jada Pinkett Smith wrote: "Is it okay to continually attack and criticise a famous 19-year-old who is simply trying to build a life, exercise his talents while figuring out what manhood and fame is all about as he carries the weight of supporting his family as well as providing the paychecks to others who depend on him to work so they can feed their families as well?"