New Zealander who fled Singapore back in court after surrendering himself to police

A New Zealander who fled Singapore last year while on court bail was in the docks on Friday morning today after turning himself in. 

35-year-old Robert Stephen Dahlberg was charged in 2010 following a brawl at Suntec City. 

Two other expatriates - a Briton and an Australian - were also allegedly involved. 

The court heard on Friday that Dhalberg turned himself in to Singapore police on Thursday.

He faces two amended charges of causing hurt by a rash act, as well as for voluntarily causing grievous hurt. 

Court documents stated that Dhalberg allegedly swung his fist and hit Mr Laurence Wong Seong in the head. 

The documents also stated that he allegedly held Mr Paul Louis Liew Kai Ming by the neck, slammed his head against a pillar and kicked him in the face. 

Dhalberg's lawyer, Mr Wendell Wong, told the court that Dhalberg had voluntarily surrendered himself because he wanted to 'abide by the due process of the court'. 

He asked the court for more time to confer with the prosecution on the likelihood of further raps. 

Dhalberg is in remand and will next appear in court on 21 September. 

Briton Robert James Springall, 25, who also skipped town after being charged, is still on the run. 

Australian Nathan Robert Miller, 36, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three weeks' jail in February this year.

The maximum penalty for causing grievous hurt is 10 years jail, a fine or caning. 

For causing hurt by a rash act, the maximum punishment is one year jail and a $5,000 fine. 

In a statement issued to the media, Dhalberg said he voluntarily returned to Singapore to face charges relating to an incident on 11 April 2010. 

He was accompanied by his father. 

"I return to co-operate fully with the Singapore authorities and abide by the due process of the case before the Singapore courts," he said in the statement. 

"I am very sorry for the inconvenience caused to the Singapore Police whilst I was outside Singapore. I continue to extend my apologies to Mr Liew and offer to pay for Mr Liew's medical expenses. I hope my return will allow everyone involved to find closure," he said. 

Dhalberg said his friends and family continue to provide support and are funding his legal representation.