Singer Chris Brown has arrived in court on charges of assaulting and threatening his ex Rihanna.

The star looked upset as he entered the courtroom with his lawyer Mark Geragos.

There was no sign of Umbrella singer Rihanna, though she is due to testify against Brown over the alleged beating back in February, after Cive Davis’ pre-Grammys party.

However, as the case began in Los Angeles Superior Court, Brown reportedly struck a plea deal.

The case stems from a bust-up Rihanna and Chris Brown had hours before the two were supposed to appear at the Grammy Awards. Brown allegedly received a text message from another woman that upset Rihanna.

It has been said Brown pulled his silver Lamborghini up in a quiet Los Angeles neighbourhood and a blazing row ensued. Rihanna was then said to have thrown the car keys out.

Reports say Brown got out the car to look for the keys, then came back to the car, put his hands around Rihanna’s neck and said: “I’m going to kill you!”

According to a source, the Disturbia singer told police that she lost consciousness, and when she awoke, Brown had fled the scene.

Leaked police pictures showed that her right eye was blackened and badly swollen and she had scratches and bruising on her arms.

Brown was charged with two felony counts of assault and making criminal threats in February.

If convicted without a plea deal, Brown could face up to four years in prison.