A man dressed as the “Grim Reaper” climbed onto the roof of a hospital in Wales and stared down at patients, staff and visitors while carrying what appeared to be a long scythe, prompting a major emergency response. The bizarre incident ended with the man being arrested and later fined by a court.
The incident took place at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd Hospital in St Asaph, Denbighshire, where 26-year-old Leon Gillespie was seen standing motionless on the roof in a black hooded outfit overlooking the hospital entrance.
Four police cars and a fire service vehicle rushed to the scene as the man remained on the roof for nearly 50 minutes.
Witnesses said Gillespie appeared to be dressed as the Grim Reaper and was holding what looked like a long blade or scythe. However, during court proceedings, he claimed the outfit was actually meant to represent a “crow.” No explanation was given for the stunt.
Gillespie later pleaded guilty to causing a nuisance on National Health Service (NHS) premises without a reasonable excuse. Llandudno Magistrates’ Court fined him £200 and ordered him to pay an additional £50 in compensation, along with £100 in prosecution costs.
The court also heard that he admitted to two separate shoplifting offences earlier this year, including stealing cat food and cat litter from a Pets at Home store and food and drinks from a Sainsbury’s supermarket in Llandudno.
Following the incident, a spokesperson for the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board reiterated that the health board has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, aggression and nuisance behaviour at its hospitals.
North Wales Police said Gillespie had refused to leave the premises when asked by officers.
2026-08-06 00:30:00
