Man dressed as ‘Grim Reaper’ climbs onto hospital roof with long blade, apparently trying to scare patients | World News

A bizarre incident at a hospital in North Wales left staff and visitors stunned after a 26-year-old man climbed onto the roof dressed in a black costume resembling the Grim Reaper and carried a long blade-like object. Leon Gillespie climbed above the entrance of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital in St Asaph on June 6, where he stared down at people below and made noises from the roof. Police and fire crews were called to the scene, with four police cars attending as officers worked to get him down safely. Gillespie was arrested following the incident and later pleaded guilty to causing a nuisance on NHS premises, for which he was fined. Despite the eerie appearance, he told the court that he had actually been dressed as a crow.

He climbed onto hospital roof dressed in black

Gillespie climbed onto the roof of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital in St Asaph, Denbighshire, wearing a black outfit that witnesses compared to a Grim Reaper costume. He stood above the hospital entrance and stared towards staff and visitors below. The presence of a long blade made the situation particularly alarming, while his behaviour and noises added to the unsettling scene. Police were alerted after reports of a man dressed entirely in black standing on the hospital roof.The unusual incident prompted a significant emergency response. Four police cars and fire service vehicles were sent to the hospital after authorities were alerted to the man on the roof. Officers eventually managed to bring Gillespie down from the building. The incident caused disruption at the NHS site and raised concerns among people who were at the hospital at the time. North Wales Police later confirmed that Gillespie had refused to leave the premises when asked to do so by a constable.

He said the costume was actually a crow

Although witnesses reportedly compared Gillespie’s appearance to the Grim Reaper, his explanation in court was rather different. He said he had been wearing a crow costume. The bizarre explanation added another unusual element to an incident that had already attracted attention because of the location, costume and blade. There was no clear explanation reported for why he had climbed onto the hospital roof or why he behaved in that manner.

Man pleaded guilty to causing a nuisance

Gillespie appeared before Llandudno Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to causing a nuisance or disturbance to an NHS staff member without reasonable excuse. The offence also involved refusing to leave the NHS premises when instructed by a police officer. He was fined £200 for the hospital-related offence. The case highlighted the consequences of disruptive behaviour at a healthcare facility, where staff are required to deal with patients and emergencies without additional disturbances.

Court heard about two other thefts

The hospital incident was not the only matter dealt with by the court. Gillespie also admitted stealing between £30 and £40 worth of cat food and litter from a Pets at Home store in Llandudno on March 26. He also admitted taking food and drink from Sainsbury’s in Llandudno on May 28. The court ordered him to pay a further £100 in fines, £100 towards Crown Prosecution Service costs and £50 in compensation.