Trio charged over Suntec City incident

[Red Squadron]

Jul 7, 2011

Trio charged over Suntec City incident

By Elena Chong

Dahlberg (above) is said to have caused hurt to cab passenger Laurence Wong Seong, 38, by swinging his fist at him shortly after midnight on April 11 last year. -- ST PHOTO: WONG KWAI CHOW

THREE Caucasians were charged on Thursday with offences over the fracas at Suntec City more than a year ago.

New Zealander Robert Stephen Dahlberg, 34, Australian Nathan Robert Miller, 35, and Briton Robert James Springall, 24, each faced between two and three charges.

Dahlberg is said to have caused hurt to cab passenger Laurence Wong Seong, 38, by swinging his fist at him shortly after midnight on April 11 last year.

The options trader is also said to have grievously hurt another passenger, Mr Paul Louis Liew Kai Ming, 27, by shoving him and causing him to hit his face against the pillar, resulting in a broken nose.

Springall, also an options trader, allegedly caused hurt to cabby Tan Boon Kin, 57, by shoving him. He also allegedly drove the cab without the owner's consent, and was supposedly an inconsiderate driving.

Miller is accused of punching cabby Tay Gek Heng, 45, and jumping on the taxi bonnet.

All three are out on bail and their cases have been adjourned to other dates.

 

[Ginchiyo Tachibana]

New Zealander who fled Singapore goes back to court
By Kimberly Spykerman | Posted: 07 September 2012 1305 hrs

Robert Stephen Dahlberg (Photo: Interpol)

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 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 charges.

Dhalberg 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, 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.

- CNA/xq/wm