Fathers-4-Justice Canada

F4J Canada in Action

May 10, 2005 Victoria, BC - Spiderman tells the downtown that kids need both parents, on a tower crane

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New VI TV Victoria - Spiderman arrested - VIDEO

CHTV Victoria - Spiderman arrested - VIDEO

This morning before sunrise our ground crew assisted the Victoria Spiderman (aka Stephen Hodges-Whittaker) with his ascent to the 200-ft level on a construction crane in downtown Victoria.

About 3 pm the team assembled for last minute preparations. We packed into a backpack our 30x30 foot sign declaring "Children Need Both Parents" emblazoned with an 18-foot high purple hand. Spiderman was overloaded with a 100 feet of rope, a safety harness and other necessities so a special thanks to the Victoria Superman (aka Doug Hanlan) for making the climb to the top with the bulky backpack carrying the sign. Under the cover of darkness we were able to get Spiderman aloft and Superman back down without being noticed. As morning's first light broke the banner could be seen for miles. When the construction manager arrived about 7:00 AM he called the police, so the ground crew made themselves scarce remembering how the authorities had confiscated our equipment the last time we stood around watching.

We called in reports to the local radio stations so that rush hour commuters were greeted with news reports about Spiderman as they drove to work. Local TV stations arrived and watched as police and construction workers climbed to the top of the crane to speak to Spiderman.

Two blocks away, at a busy downtown intersection with full visibility to our banner, Superman and the Green Lantern handed out pamphlets and talked to passersby. Drivers honked horns in support and many people commended us for our efforts, expressing their dissatisfaction with the current system. A police cruiser stopped to question our superheroes but there were no arrests of ground-based personnel.

About 9:30 AM the wind began to pick up, and safety became a concern, especially for the 3 or 4 authorities that had also climbed up the crane without safety equipment. Spiderman agreed to come down, and in doing so was arrested and charged with mischief over $5,000.00, as well as break and entering. We were advised that the B&E charge was as a result of a complaint laid by Farmer Construction, 2925 Douglas St, Victoria, 250-388-5121.

After speaking to the media, Superman and Green Lantern left the scene and visited the Victoria Courthouse where we handed out pamphlets. The Sheriff's escorted us from the building shortly after we began. Outside the courthouse we met with more support from passersby, several of whom had horror stories of their own. We think we have recruited some new members as a result.

Off to the police station at 10:30 to retrieve Spiderman who had been processed and released. Our thanks to the Victoria police for their consideration and empathy. Now if only we could get back our sign, rope, safety harness, etc. Spiderman is scheduled to appear in court on July 6, 2005.

Once again our time in the air was cut short of plan, but exposure was significant and everybody is safe. Mission accomplished. Photos and videos to follow.