News

10 prisoners escape Hu'atolitoli Prison
24-09-09 05:39
10 inmates at Hu'atolitoli Prison escaped last weekend after what is believed to have started from an argument between a prisoner and a prison warden at the prison compound guard house.
The 10 prisoners were caught at about 2am on Sunday morning and they have been charged with escaping from lawful custody and wilful damage counts. The trial for the 10 inmates has been suspended for one week and this is based on there request to give them enough time to find legal counsel. Deputy Police Commander, Taniela Faletau thanked members of the community and the Free Wesleyan church of Lomaiviti, for helping them locate the 10 inmates quickly. Police have not been aware of any other offences committed by the prisoners during the 7 hours while they were outside the prison compound. This is the third recent incident with regards to prisoners. Inmates in Sainai prison in 'Eua attacked the Deputy Head Warden. Inmates also looted one unit in Hu'atolitoli prison last month and now this escape. The Ministry of Police is hoping to improve prisoner’s relationship with the prison wardens. eTonga Tonga News