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Man Fined After Climbing Hospital Roof Dressed in Black

Authorities say the case underlines the health board's zero-tolerance approach to nuisance and aggression on hospital sites.

Overview

  • A 26-year-old man, identified as Leon Gillespie, climbed onto the roof of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in St Asaph while wearing an all-black hooded outfit on June 6, causing alarm among patients and staff.
  • Emergency crews including four police cars and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended and brought him down after the incident lasted about 50 minutes.
  • Gillespie was charged with causing a nuisance or disturbance on NHS premises, pleaded guilty at Llandudno Magistrates' Court and was fined £200.
  • The court also recorded his admissions to two earlier shoplifting offences and ordered him to pay £100 in additional fines and costs plus £50 in compensation.
  • Witnesses reported he appeared to hold a long blade and wore what some called a 'Grim Reaper' outfit while he told the court he intended a 'crow' costume; the health board reiterated strict rules on abuse and nuisance at its hospitals and the case could prompt local reviews of site safety.