The father of a Kiwi facing up to 10 years in Singapore's notorious Changi Prison and a caning travelled with him last week when he finally turned himself in.
Robert Stephen Dahlberg, a stock broker and former junior Tall Black basketballer, appeared in a Singapore court last week charged with causing grievous bodily harm - relating to an alleged booze-fuelled altercation in April 2010 in which two locals were injured.
Dad Bill Dahlberg, a trustee of the Canterbury Community Trust, said despite his son having skipped the country in July last year, he had always been keen to honour his obligations, though he would defend the charges.
"Robert did the right thing by going to the police in the days after the incident and voluntarily giving a statement. He continued to be concerned about the welfare of Mr Liew [one of the injured] and made repeated offers to pay for medical expenses and arrange for him to see a specialist.
"Robert stayed in Singapore, gaining permanent residency status, for 14 months after the incident. It was a shock to us all when charges were laid."
