The Barrack Heights man has been labelled a “polite thief” after issuing a courteous “thank you” to a woman from whom he swiped money at a Shellharbour ATM last month.

The bizarre case was heard in Wollongong Local Court on Monday, but originated on the afternoon of July 12, when Darkes was at Stockland Shellharbour.

Court documents reveal the victim was doing business banking at the Commonwealth Bank ATM when she placed her bag on the bench in front of machine around 3.15pm.

Darkes sat on a seat behind her while she was carrying out the transactions.

The court heard the woman had placed a small bag of notes on top of her handbag however at one stage they fell off onto a desk next to her handbag. The woman picked the note bag and put it back on her handbag.

A few minutes later the same thing occurred, prompting Darkes to come up behind the woman and grab the money bag from the bench.

He then ran out of the bank branch, saying ‘thank you’ as he left.

The victim attempted to grab hold of him but was unsuccessful. She then alerted nearby security staff who contacted police.

Patrolling officers spotted someone matching Darkes’ description a short time later near the intersection of Madigan Boulevard but were unable to locate him down when they arrived on scene.

He was arrested at the weekend at a house on Port Kembla. 

Police found him in possession of a large kitchen knife at the time.

He was charged with multiple offences to which he pleaded guilty in court on Monday.

Magistrate Michale Stoddart sentenced Darkes to 12 months jail, noting he had a record for previous similar offences.

“You could have been a gentleman and picked it [the note bag] up and given it to her but no, you took it instead,” he said.

“It was a disgraceful act.”