A 26-year-old man was arrested and fined after climbing onto the roof of a hospital in Wales while dressed as the Grim Reaper and staring down at patients, visitors and staff, according to multiple reports.
Leon Gillespie, of Deganwy, Wales, was spotted wearing an all-black hooded outfit while standing above the entrance of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital in St Asaph, Denbighshire, on June 6, The Independent and Metro UK reported, citing local police. Witnesses said he appeared to be motionless as he looked down at people below and held what appeared to be a long blade.
North Wales police and firefighters responded to the incident at the hospital. Authorities said the ordeal lasted about 50 minutes before Gillespie was arrested.
Gillespie later pleaded guilty to causing a nuisance or disturbance on National Health Service premises without a reasonable excuse, according to The Independent. No explanation was given in court for why he dressed as the Grim Reaper and climbed onto the hospital roof.
Hospital officials respond
Gillespie’s costume was also described in court as resembling a “crow,” The Independent reported.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which oversees Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, told the Metro UK that the organization has a “zero tolerance approach” toward disruptive behavior at its hospitals.
“The health board has previously stated it has a zero tolerance approach to abuse, aggression or nuisance within its hospital sites,” the health organization said.
According to authorities, Gillespie was charged with causing a nuisance or disturbance to NHS staff members or others at the hospital and refusing to leave the premises when instructed by police.
Additional theft charges
Gillespie also admitted to two unrelated theft offenses, according to Welsh newspaper The Leader.
He pleaded guilty to stealing between 30 and 40 pounds worth of cat food and cat litter from a Pets at Home store in Llandudno on March 26, per The Leader. He also admitted to stealing food and drink from a Sainsbury’s store in Llandudno on May 28.
The court ordered Gillespie to pay 50 pounds in compensation, 100 pounds in fines and 100 pounds in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.
He was fined 200 pounds overall for the hospital disturbance.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or on X @athompsonUSAT