Kenneth Glad
An unusual incident at a North Wales hospital prompted a multi-agency emergency response before ending in court weeks later. The proceedings also covered two unrelated shoplifting offences.
A man who climbed onto the roof of a North Wales hospital while dressed as the Grim Reaper has been fined after admitting he caused a disturbance on NHS premises.
Leon Gillespie, 26, of Deganwy, appeared before Llandudno magistrates over the June 6 incident at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in St Asaph, Denbighshire. According to The Independent, he pleaded guilty to causing a nuisance or disturbance without reasonable excuse and refusing to leave after being instructed to do so by a police officer.
Magistrates imposed a fine and ordered Gillespie to pay compensation and prosecution costs. The newspaper published conflicting figures for the financial penalties, so no combined total has been included here.
Ysbyty Glan Clwyd is one of the main hospitals serving North Wales and is operated by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
Emergency response unfolds
The incident unfolded above the hospital’s main entrance, where the costumed Grim Reaper was visible from the grounds and parts of the building, prompting a response from both police and firefighters.
Four police vehicles and one fire service vehicle attended the scene during the incident, which lasted about 50 minutes. It was later confirmed that the incident was brought under control by North Wales Police and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
The New York Post reported that Gillespie walked along walkways on the roof, made unusual sounds and gestured toward people inside and outside the hospital. The incident caused distress among patients and visitors who could see the figure overlooking the entrance.
No explanation for Gillespie’s actions was given in the reports. The charge related to creating a disturbance on NHS property rather than seeking medical treatment or care, and also included refusing to leave when requested by police.
Additional offences heard
The magistrates also dealt with two unrelated shoplifting offences that Gillespie admitted committing in Llandudno earlier in the year.
He pleaded guilty to stealing cat food and cat litter worth between £30 and £40 from Pets at Home on March 26. He also admitted taking food and drink from Sainsbury’s on May 28.
In comments published by The Independent, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said:
“The health board has previously stated it has a zero tolerance approach to abuse, aggression or nuisance within its hospital sites.”
Sources: The Independent; New York Post
