Romantic Gesture Turns to Rock Theft and Club Disturbance in Wollongong
A Wollongong man has admitted to stealing a decorative rock from a local club, claiming he intended it as a romantic gift for his girlfriend, just moments before causing a disruptive scene in the venue's gaming area.
Court Hears Details of Unusual Theft Incident
Allan Clarke, 53, from Toongabbie, pleaded guilty to theft in Wollongong Local Court on January 20, 2026. The incident occurred at The Builders Club on Church Street in Wollongong on December 22, when Clarke arrived around 2:15pm and immediately noticed a distinctive seven-centimetre grey-and-white oval rock at the entrance.
According to police facts presented in court, Clarke picked up the rock with the intention of adding it to his partner's personal collection. He then entered the club with the stone in his pocket and spent time in the gaming lounge before his behaviour turned erratic.
Pokies Win Triggers Agitated Behaviour
The situation escalated when another patron won a significant sum on one of the poker machines. Clarke became visibly agitated, and his behaviour spilled over into the club's coffee shop area. There, he accused staff of ripping him off and began throwing his arms around in a mock fighting manner.
When police arrived to manage the disturbance, they searched Clarke and discovered the stolen rock in his possession. Officers later confirmed with the club manager that the stone was indeed part of the venue's entrance landscaping and not meant to be removed.
Legal Proceedings and Unusual Defence
During the court hearing, Clarke's solicitor David Newham presented an unusual defence, telling the magistrate his client genuinely believed it was such a beautiful rock, so unique. Mr Newham noted this was his first such case in thirty years of legal practice.
Magistrate Geraldine Beattie described the matter as an unusual one but firmly reminded Clarke that landscaping is not a free-for-all. It was part of the decoration, it was not for you to pick up and hang onto. They've paid money to have that landscape, you can't do it, Magistrate Beattie stated.
Outcome Despite Criminal History
The court heard that Clarke is no stranger to the criminal justice system, yet he received a conviction without further penalty for the theft. This outcome reflects the unusual nature of the offence while acknowledging the principle that property removal without permission constitutes theft regardless of the item's perceived value.
The case highlights how seemingly minor actions can lead to legal consequences, particularly when they occur in licensed venues where behaviour is closely monitored. The combination of romantic intention, property theft, and subsequent disruptive behaviour created a memorable courtroom narrative in Wollongong's local justice system.
