New Zealander who fled Singapore goes back to court

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

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

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

The court heard on Friday that Dahlberg 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 Dahlberg 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.

Dahlberg’s lawyer, Mr Wendell Wong, told the court that Dahlberg 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 charges.

Dahlberg is in remand and his next court appearance is on 21 September.

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

Australian Nathan Robert Miller, 36, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three weeks’ jail in February 2012.

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

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

In a statement issued to the media, Dahlberg 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.

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

— CNA/xq/wm