French 'Spider-Man' in Sydney court over climb

[September 03, 2010]  SYDNEY (AP) -- A French skyscraper climber nicknamed "Spider-Man" pleaded not guilty Friday to charges related to his barehanded climb up a 57-story building in downtown Sydney.

Alain Robert, known for climbing some of the world's tallest and best-known buildings without ropes or other equipment, was arrested Monday at the top of the Lumiere building.

He was charged with risking the safety of another by climbing a building or structure, and unlawful entry of an enclosed area. If convicted on both charges, he could face up to three months in jail and fines of 1,650 Australian dollars ($1,497).

Outside Sydney District Court, Robert said he never meant to disrespect Australian law and denied that his climb had put any lives at risk.

"I was not endangering people," Robert said. "There was no point for me to plead guilty."

Many of his past climbs have resulted in arrests and fines. Last year, Robert was fined AU$750 for climbing the 41-story Royal Bank of Scotland building in Sydney.

The 48-year-old has climbed more than 70 skyscrapers around the world, including the Empire State Building, the Sears Tower and the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, according to his website.

The hearing was adjourned until Oct. 15.

[Associated Press]

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