Man charged after brazen Jingle Bells charity theft at Town Hall station

A 50-year-old man has been charged after a brazen cash swipe from the charity donation box of a band playing Christmas songs at Town Hall station when the alleged thief grabbed handfuls of cash and made a swift escape.

Video posted online captures a man dancing towards the charity box about 6pm on December 9, before dipping both his hands in the box, decorated in green tinsel, and scrounging for cash while the NSW Railway Band continues with a rendition of Jingle Bell Rock.

Commuters appear stunned as the man allegedly walks away from the box with banknotes in his fists. He makes a quick escape, jumping over the railway gates and towards the platforms. Those in the station and some band members voice their disapproval as he flees, while one commuter jumps the gates to pursue him.

Dwayne Bintilan Clayton, 50, was charged with larceny at Kings Cross police station on Sunday afternoon, after police opened an investigation into the alleged theft on Saturday.

He was refused bail to appear in court on Monday, when he was again refused bail. He will next appear in the Downing Centre Local Court on January 12.

Footage of the incident emerged in the days before Clayton’s arrest, as members of the Railway Band sought to share the video in the hope that the offender would be identified.

The Railway Band play woodwind instruments in public places across the state, and are particularly busy during the festive season, when they spread Christmas cheer in transport hubs and other high patronage areas across the CBD.

It is a volunteer-led organisation that relies on donations for its contributions to charity, and helps members expand their musical skills while performing to large audiences.

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