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'Spider-Man' Who Allegedly Punched Person In Times Square Goes To Trial

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The episode isn't among Spider-Man's biggest hits: the superhero versus the snow-wielding mom.

One of the costumed characters who roam New York's Times Square went on trial Tuesday. As WCBS 880's Alex Silverman reported, the story began with a mother who wanted a picture of her children with the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, but did not want to tip him.

'Spider-Man' Who Allegedly Punched Person In Times Square Goes To Trial

Philip Williams is accused of hitting the woman during the quarrel in February 2013.

Victoria Goreaciuc said Williams cursed at her and later punched her in the temple.

Williams' lawyer admitted in court that his client might have called her a "piece of crap," which may not be superhero-like, but is not a crime.

Goreaciuc acknowledged confronting Williams and flinging a handful of snow at him. Williams' lawyer said he reacted in self-defense after a cold, hard chunk hit his head.

The defense also questions whether Williams was actually the costumed figure who allegedly insulted Goreaciuc. She acknowledges she initially accosted the wrong Spider-Man.

Someone in a Batman costume also tried to intervene at one point, testimony indicated.

This is among several criminal cases in recent years against Times Square's costumed characters.

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(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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