Man dressed as 'Grim Reaper' arrested after scaring patients and doctors from hospital rooftop

A 26-year-old man has been arrested after dressing as the "Grim Reaper" and climbing onto the roof of a Welsh hospital to stare at staff and visitors.

North Wales Police and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service were called after the man dressed in the black hooded outfit was seen overlooking the entrance at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital in St Asaph, Denbighshire, on June 6, 2026 (Saturday).

The man, later identified as Leon Gillespie, of Deganwy, was also seen brandishing what appeared to be a long blade.

He was later charged with causing a nuisance or disturbance without reasonable excuse on NHS premises.

Four police cars and a fire service vehicle were seen at the hospital during the 50-minute-long incident.

Gillespie pleaded guilty to the offence and was handed a £200 fine by Llandudno magistrates.

No reason was given for his behaviour, although his outfit was also described as being a "crow."

He was ordered to pay £50 in compensation, £100 in fines, and £100 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.

In addition, he admitted stealing £30-40 of cat food and cat litter from Pets at Home in Llandudno on March 26, and food and drink from Sainsbury's in Llandudno on May 28.

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."

North Wales Police spokesperson previously said: "A 26-year-old man has been arrested and charged following the incident on the roof of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd."

"He was charged with other than for the purpose of obtaining medical advice, treatment or care, caused, without reasonable excuse, a nuisance or disturbance to a National Health Service staff member who was working there or was otherwise there in connection with work, and refused, without reasonable excuse, to leave the premises when asked to do so by a constable."

The Independent