06.08.2026 23:50
Leon Gillespie, 26, who appeared on the roof of a hospital in Wales wearing a black cloak and carrying a sickle, caused 50 terrifying minutes for patients and staff. The individual, likened to the 'Grim Reaper' by nearby citizens due to his frightening appearance, was taken into custody following intervention by police and fire crews. In court, Gillespie, who claimed 'I wasn't the Grim Reaper, I was a crow' and had prior theft convictions, was fined.
A 26-year-old man, Leon Gillespie, who climbed onto the roof of a hospital in Wales wearing a black cloak and holding a sickle, caused terrifying moments for patients and healthcare workers. The individual, who remained on the roof for approximately 50 minutes, was compared to the "Grim Reaper" by those around him. It was also revealed that Gillespie, who was fined by the court, had previously committed theft.
TERRIFYING MOMENTS ON THE HOSPITAL ROOF
The incident occurred at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd Hospital in St Asaph, Wales. Leon Gillespie, 26, who climbed onto the hospital roof wearing a black cloak and holding a sickle, caused great panic in the area by watching patients and healthcare workers for a long time.
Many people who saw the individual standing motionless on the roof dressed in black and occasionally making strange noises compared him to the "Grim Reaper" due to his frightening appearance. While visitors experiencing fearful moments reported the situation to the police, police and fire brigade teams were dispatched to the scene.
Gillespie, who remained on the roof for approximately 50 minutes, was taken into custody after the teams intervened.
HE ADMITTED HIS GUILT IN COURT
Gillespie, who was detained, admitted to the charge of causing a public disturbance in court. The court fined the defendant 200 pounds sterling and also ordered him to pay legal costs and compensation.
"I WAS NOT THE GRIM REAPER, I WAS A CROW" DEFENSE
Making an interesting defense in court, Gillespie claimed that people thought he was the "Grim Reaper," but he was actually wearing a crow costume. However, this defense was not accepted by the court.
HIS THEFT HISTORY ALSO CAME TO LIGHT
During the trial, it was determined that Leon Gillespie had previously been involved in various theft incidents. It was learned that the defendant also admitted in court to stealing cat food and cat litter from a pet store, as well as food and drinks from a supermarket.
Following the incident, the hospital management stated that the event caused great unease among patients, their relatives, and healthcare workers, and announced that security measures would be reviewed. The incident, which received widespread coverage in the local press, quickly became a topic of discussion on social media as well.