Spiderman to the rescue

A violent thug attacking a shopkeeper never expected to come face-to-face with a superhero.

But as Gerard Smith went `berserk' in a Manchester newsagents, passer-by Kevin Godin-Prior lifted his jumper to reveal a Spiderman costume and told him: "You don't know who you're dealing with."



Have-a-go-hero Kevin was on his way to a charity fundraiser dressed as the cult comic character when he called at the shop in Gorton.

As he walked in, he saw Smith lashing out and abusing the shopkeeper.



Kevin, 53, revealed his secret identity, fought off a series of attacks and then forced Smith outside, refusing to let go until the police arrived.

At Manchester magistrates court, Smith pleaded guilty to two charges of assault in the shop on Hyde Road on February 23 - on Kevin and on a woman.He was ordered to carry out a 12-month community punishment order, pay each victim £250 and pay the court £300 costs