YouTube stuntman nearly killed himself in tombstoning leap

Dylan Rhodes, 19, pictured, has been spared jail after performing a dangerous ‘tombstoning’ dive at a children’s water polo match

A teenage YouTube stuntman who performed a dangerous ‘tombstoning’ dive at a children’s water polo match has been spared jail.

Dylan Rhodes, 19, leapt off a 32ft diving board into shallow water at Manchester Aquatics Centre despite the indoor pool being roped off.

Lifeguards and parents watched in horror as he plunged into the water – which was not even 6ft deep – amid fears he may have been trying to kill himself.

But he emerged from the water wearing a GoPro camera in his mouth and then attempted to flee the scene only to be caught by two lifeguards.

Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard he told the lifeguards ‘I don’t care’ when they asked him about the trouble he caused. 

A police investigation revealed Rhodes had a history of taking part in dangerous stunts and uploading them to YouTube.

Rhodes admitted causing a public nuisance and apologised as he was handed a 12-month community order and 100 hours unpaid work.

Sentencing JP Wallen Matthie told him: ‘This was an incredibly stupid thing that you did. You could have killed yourself and seriously hurt other people, including children. I hope you have learnt from this.’ 

Speaking about the incident, which has since been deleted from YouTube, Rhodes said: ‘That day I had met with YouTubers who lived in London for the first time and they encouraged me to do it. They make videos like this then make it into a video and upload it and make money off it.

‘I didn’t think at the time how it could have hurt other people or even endangered my life, that was never my intention.

The incident took place at Manchester Aquatics Centre, pictured, and lifeguards and parents watched on in horror fearing Rhodes may hurt himself

The incident took place at Manchester Aquatics Centre, pictured, and lifeguards and parents watched on in horror fearing Rhodes may hurt himself

Rhodes, pictured doing a backflip into water, was filming the stunt and has previously uploaded similar incidents to YouTube

Rhodes, pictured doing a backflip into water, was filming the stunt and has previously uploaded similar incidents to YouTube

He describes himself as a freerunner and 'urban explorer' and has posted several pictures on social media on top of buildings, pictured

He describes himself as a freerunner and ‘urban explorer’ and has posted several pictures on social media on top of buildings, pictured

‘I am so sorry for my actions that day. This was a really stupid thing to do and I know that now. I just want to get this out of my memory and move on.’

He added: ‘The plan was to jump between games. I knew there were lots of people there and the plan was to wait until the children had gone for a break. 

‘It was then since the incident I only realised how deep the pool was. I heard the whistle but I didn’t hear anybody shout because it was so loud in there.

‘I didn’t hear them say how deep it was so I didn’t know. I was full of adrenaline, my heart was pumping. I didn’t know what was going to happen. 

‘I ended up going to hospital for my knees. I was a ground worker, working on the machines at a construction site, but the company closed and I haven’t been working, and I won’t do now until January.

‘I live with my stepdad. He is really annoyed with me and knows that I should have been more careful.’

Rhodes, of Bristol, has also uploaded pictures online of him climbing bridges and towers

Rhodes, of Bristol, has also uploaded pictures online of him climbing bridges and towers

Rhodes, who previously broke his legs in a motorcycle accident in 2016, has been pictured on top of 300ft buildings around his home city of Bristol, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge.  

Prosecutor Tess Kenyon said: ‘Parents of the children were sat in the public gallery watching the event and lifeguards Bradley Donahue and Liam Haycock were on duty. 

‘They both remember seeing Mr Rhodes go to the pool area. Liam said there was nobody in this section of the pool but the match was going to be taking place.

‘A young child saw Rhodes climb over to the barrier and start climbing the steps of the board over the pool. 

‘Liam whistles to the male to stop him and ordered him to get off. The male ignored him and kept going. 

‘He was really concerned for his safety and the children’s safety as the pool was less than two metres deep and he was going to hurt himself.

‘He called over Bradley and both lifeguards said not to do it, thinking he was going to commit suicide.’

She added: ‘He was scared for the man and concerned about what the children were going to see in the pool. 

Rhodes pictured on top of a skyscraper

Rhodes pictured outside Manchester Magistrates' Court

Speaking at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, Rhodes, pictured left on top of a skyscraper and right outside court, apologised for his actions

‘He saw him jump feet first with a GoPro camera in his mouth. He heard the parents scream and they quickly cleared the area of the pool. They saw him climb out of the pool and try to run away. They caught up with him.

‘They really believed he was going to kill himself. Liam described parents to be crying and he had never seen such a selfish act before. 

‘When the defendant climbed out of the pool he asked him if he was aware there were children present and he said “I don’t care”.’

Miss Kenyon added: ‘When he jumped he landed on his knees and had to go to hospital to receive medical attention.

‘He expresses great remorse for his actions and is deeply ashamed.’

Rhodes was also ordered to pay £170 court costs. 

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