Kym Allen Parsons pleaded guilty to 10 counts of aggravated robbery and firearms charges over bank heists in South Australia between 2004 and 2014, using a bike to flee many of the thefts.
The 73-year-old listened on as bank staff and customers outlined to the SA Supreme Court how his actions destroyed their personal and professional lives.
They spoke of post-traumatic disorder, anxiety, depression, breakdowns, social withdrawal and lost income, and partners and children who were also deeply affected by their traumatic experiences.
Defence counsel James Marcus said his client had been a firefighter for 35 years when, at age 58, he had to leave the workforce due to illnesses including cancer that were contracted at work.
He said that following his arrest in October 2023, Parsons' condition had progressed and his prognosis was poor.
"In short, Mr Parsons is dying," he said on Monday.
"Mr Parsons wanted this matter called on. Importantly, he wanted to bring closure to the victims of his offending.
"Ultimately, he will be saying goodbye to his family through prison bars."
Victim Jillian Pfitzner told the court her immediate reaction to being robbed was "sheer terror".
"I suddenly didn't know if I would survive and make it home to my family or be shot with a gun that was pointed in my face," she said.
"I want him to know how much trauma he has caused to the people and families involved in the multiple bank robberies and what they have lived with for the last 20 years and have continued to live with while he has been free."
Rose Lindner said the fear she experienced after the robbery was life-changing.
"I would cry on some days just at the thought of just returning to my workplace," she said.
"When a customer entered the branch with a large bag or a beanie, I would literally drop to the floor and crawl away to safety."
Ms Lindner said she had undergone "years of therapy", labelling Parsons' actions "cowardly, brutal, arrogant, selfish, and having a complete disregard for the law and others".
After 15 impact statements were read or handed to the judge, Parsons asked to read a statement.
"I wish to express my deepest remorse for my actions, for my decisions," he said.
"There are no excuses for my behaviour, my reasoning was illogical and irrational over that time."
Parsons said he hoped his guilty pleas might "bring you some closure and in time an opportunity to heal. I do not expect your forgiveness, I only ask that you accept my sincerest apologies and deepest remorse."
Prosecutor Karen Ingleton said each armed robbery was a serious offence, as they were planned, well-organised and terrifying.
"These are probably an example of the most serious bank robberies in South Australia," she said.
Parsons agreed to repay almost $360,000 stolen in the robberies and asked to remain on bail.
Justice Sandi McDonald refused, saying: "I think it's appropriate I revoke bail."
Parsons will be sentenced on June 28.
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