Reuters AlertNet Lite - NY charges dismissed against French "Spiderman"

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NY charges dismissed against French "Spiderman"

12 Jun 2008 22:19:37 GMT
Source: Reuters

NEW YORK, June 12 (Reuters) - A Manhattan grand jury dismissed all criminal charges against Alain Robert, the French "Spiderman" who last week scaled a New York skyscraper, his lawyer said on Thursday.

His lawyer, Daniel Arshack, said his client was "elated."

"Americans have a proud tradition of promoting the rights of individuals to express their views from the highest soapbox, and Mr. Robert has simply availed himself of that right," said Arshack.

Robert scaled the 52-story, 1,142-foot (348-metre) skyscraper last Thursday and unveiled a banner in protest against global inaction over global warming.

Six hours later another climber, Renaldo Clarke, made an apparent copycat ascent to raise awareness of malaria that was broadcast live on television.

Prosecutors charged both men with misdemeanor charges of criminal trespass and reckless endangerment as well as disorderly conduct, a violation.

But on Thursday, a grand jury threw out all criminal charges against Robert but said the prosecution could move ahead with a violation charge. If convicted, the charge would not go on Robert's criminal record.

Clarke is due back in court next month.

Robert has climbed more than 80 skyscrapers and landmarks including Chicago's Sears Tower and Taipei 101 in Taiwan, the world's tallest building. (Reporting by Edith Honan; Editing by Michelle Nichols and Sandra Maler)

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