Chris Brown's neighbours complain over 'devils' painted on his wall

Brown invokes constitutional right to free speech to defend bizarre cartoons

Chris Brown's neighbours have complained about strange artwork which they say is scaring children (Rex Features)

Controversial star Chris Brown has annoyed his neighbours in Hollywood Hills, who have complained about strange artwork which they say is scaring children.

The pointy-toothed and demented-looking goblins are painted along a wall outside the hip-hop star's house.

A neighbour, Patti Negri, said: "There are lots of babies, lots of children, and they're literally frightened.

"It's like devils on the wall - big scary eyes and big scary teeth, and just the whole vibe is not what we're used to."

City officials have fined the singer $376 (£244) for "unpermitted and excessive signage," and ordered him to remove the paintings within 30 days, but his lawyer Mark Geragos said the musician was not backing down.

"They are trying to suspend the First Amendment," Mr Geragos said, referring to the constitutional right to free speech.

He alleges neighbours are harassing Brown, and have also made parking complaints about him and called animal control.

Brown's tumultuous relationship with singer Rihanna and foul-mouthed Twitter presence have given him a bad-boy reputation.

Brown won a Grammy in 2011 for Best R&B Album with F.A.M.E. and was arrested shortly after the 2009 awards ceremony for assaulting Rihanna.

"I know a $300 fine is probably pocket change. But hopefully and maybe, he'll just see the light and decide to be a good neighbour," Ms Negri told the LA Times. "We're happy to have him - if he just tones it down."