One of the two prisoners in Samoa who were the first to escape from the newly-built prison at Tanumalala has told a court he and his colleague have been badly treated since being recaptured last month.
Tanumalala high security prison. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tipi Autagavaia
Aniseko Vaelei is being tried in relation to offences allegedly committed after he escaped.
But he has complained about the food in prison and a lack of access to showers, prompting the presiding judge, Justice Leiataualesa Darrel Clarke, to tell him he could file formal complaints with both police and prison authorities.
The inmate is currently serving a jail term on other criminal charges.
He will be sentenced next week on separate offences - including burglary, aggravated robbery, being armed with a dangerous weapon and stealing $US27,000 from a supermarket owned by a Chinese couple.