A SELF-STYLED ‘superhero’ who calls himself Phoenix Jones appeared in a Seattle court yesterday as prosecutors decided whether to file charges over an alleged pepper spray attack.

Twenty-three-year-old Jones, whose real name is Benjamin John Francis Fodor, was in court after allegedly assaulting several people with pepper spray while breaking up a fight outside a nightclub earlier this month. He was arrested on 9 October and released on bail of just under $4,000.

Fodor appeared in regular clothing during yesterday’s hearing, but donned his black and gold mask – which the judge asked him to remove. After the hearing, he tore his shirt off to reveal his superhero costume underneath and pulled his mask on.

Documentary maker Ryan McNamee has been following Jones/Fodor for several months in his pursuit to fight crime and captured footage of the incident which led to his arrest:

Prosecutors have not filed criminal charges, but have called for more time to consider bringing charges.

The Seattle Times reports that speaking briefly to the press after the hearing, he said he will continue his efforts to fight crime.

“In addition to being Phoenix Jones, I am also Ben Fodor, father and brother. I am just like everybody else. The only difference is that I try to stop crime in my neighbourhood and everywhere else,” he said.

Fodor has been advised to contact police when he sees any potentially illegal activity, rather than deal with it himself.