Leon Gillespie, 26, fined £200 after standing motionless above hospital entrance for nearly an hour, prompting emergency response.
A man who climbed onto the roof of a hospital in north Wales while dressed in a black outfit resembling the Grim Reaper and stared down at patients, staff and visitors has been fined £200 by a magistrates’ court.
Police Respond After Man Scales Hospital Roof:
Leon Gillespie, 26, from Deganwy, was seen on the roof of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd Hospital in St Asaph, Denbighshire, on 6 June. Witnesses described him wearing a head-to-toe black costume and holding what appeared to be a long blade or scythe-like object as he stood motionless above the main entrance for approximately 50 minutes, making noise and looking down at people below.
The incident prompted a major emergency response. Four police cars and fire service vehicles were dispatched to the scene before officers eventually brought Gillespie down safely. He later told the court his outfit was intended to represent a “crow,” though no explanation was offered for the stunt itself.
Appearing at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court, Gillespie pleaded guilty to causing a nuisance on National Health Service (NHS) premises without reasonable excuse. Magistrates imposed a £200 fine. He was also ordered to pay additional costs and compensation linked to separate offences.
Hospital Roof Prank Raises Safety Concerns:
The court heard that Gillespie had admitted two earlier shoplifting incidents: stealing up to £40 of cat food and cat litter from a Pets at Home store in Llandudno on 26 March, and taking food and drink from a Sainsbury’s supermarket in the same town on 28 May. He was ordered to pay £50 in compensation, £100 in further fines and £100 towards prosecution costs.
A spokesperson for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which runs the hospital, reiterated the organisation’s position: “The health board has previously stated it has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, aggression or nuisance within its hospital sites.”
North Wales Police confirmed Gillespie was charged with causing a disturbance to NHS staff and refusing to leave the premises when asked by a constable. The case has drawn attention to the vulnerability of hospital environments and the potential distress caused by unexpected and intimidating behaviour directed at patients and those seeking care.