Justin Bieber has received some support in the shape of Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean.

The 19-year-old Canadian has fallen foul of the law twice recently and a third set of charges could be on their way after police confirmed they want to penalise the singer for vandalism.

However, Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean believes that Bieber is just "being a kid" and that his actions are maginified due to his fame.

He said: "First thing – always get a good lawyer. I’m sure Bieber has the best lawyer right now. I feel bad for the kid because he’s under the magnifying glass. Even though he’s doing some pretty stupid things, I feel like he’s just being a kid.

“He did start really young and had huge success really young. I don’t think he has the best people around him. I think he has people who don’t want to kick his butt, say no and say he shouldn’t pee in a bucket or egg someone’s house. But he’s being a 19-year-old kid doing what 19-year-olds do. Unfortunately he’s under the public eye so much that he can’t do anything without being scrutinised."

Bieber's first recent brush with the law came when he was arrested on suspicion of DUI, driving without a licence and resisting arrest. He was then charged with assaulting a limo driver in Toronto.

Both cases will be heard in court in March.