A 26-year-old man has been fined £200 after climbing onto the roof of a North Wales hospital dressed as the 'Angel of Death', an incident that left patients and staff distressed and triggered a major emergency response.
Incident at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd Hospital
Leon Gillespie, from Deganwy, admitted to causing a nuisance at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd Hospital in Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, on 6 June 2026. According to North Wales Police, he climbed onto the roof wearing a long black hooded robe and carrying what appeared to be a scythe, resembling the Grim Reaper.
From his vantage point above the hospital's main entrance and patient wards, Gillespie paced the rooftop, made noises, and stared down at patients, visitors, and healthcare workers. The spectacle lasted approximately 50 minutes before emergency responders brought him down safely.
Emergency Response and Distress
The disturbance prompted the deployment of four North Wales Police vehicles along with firefighters from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, who secured the area while officers resolved the situation. Witnesses included elderly patients and individuals receiving treatment, making the incident particularly distressing.
No injuries were reported, but the health board reiterated its zero-tolerance stance. A spokesperson for 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.'
Court Proceedings and Additional Charges
Gillespie appeared before Llandudno Magistrates' Court, where he admitted the offence. The court fined him £200 for causing a nuisance on NHS premises and ordered him to pay £50 in compensation, £100 in prosecution costs, and additional financial penalties after he admitted two unrelated shoplifting offences. The total financial penalty amounted to around £450.
The shoplifting charges involved stealing cat food and cat litter from a Pets at Home store in Llandudno in March, and food and drink from a Sainsbury's supermarket in May. According to reports from the hearing, Gillespie's defence claimed the outfit was intended to resemble a crow, not the Grim Reaper, despite widespread descriptions likening it to the hooded figure associated with death.
Wider Context and Reactions
The unusual nature of the incident and its location have attracted widespread attention. The case has sparked discussions about security and mental health support in healthcare settings. While the hospital confirmed no injuries, the event has raised concerns about the potential for such disruptions to affect patient care and staff morale.
This incident comes amid broader debates about public behaviour in NHS facilities. The health board's zero-tolerance policy aims to protect patients and staff from abuse and nuisance, and this case serves as a reminder of the consequences of disruptive actions.
