Spider-Man on trial over Times Square spat

The episode isn't among Spider-Man's biggest hits: the superhero versus the snow-wielding mum.

One of the costumed characters who roam Times Square went on trial on Tuesday in New York City.

Philip Williams is accused of hitting a passer-by who didn't tip him for posing for a photo with her children in February 2013.

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

She acknowledges confronting him and flinging a handful of snow at him.

Williams says he reacted in self-defence after a cold, hard chunk hit his head.

The defence had questioned whether Williams was actually the costumed figure who allegedly insulted Goreaciuc.

But he later acknowledged in testimony that he was.

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