Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus appeared in a Manhattan court facing charges over their climb of the Empire State Building on 1 July. Prosecutors said they had met the couple’s lawyers twice to discuss a possible plea deal, though it is not known whether one will be accepted; the case is ongoing.

The Russian pair climbed to the building’s spire, about 1,400 feet above ground, and displayed a banner carrying a message about peace. Outside court, they wore shirts printed with “PEACE” and urged others not to copy the stunt, calling it dangerous and saying they had 15 years’ experience. Their charges include reckless endangerment, trespass, burglary and criminal mischief, and they are due back in court on 27 October.