A SUMMARY trial of nine prisoners who broke out of Hu'atolitoli Prison after a confrontation with prison guards in November last year was adjourned for October 18, because one of them is being kept under observation at the Psychiatric Ward at Vaiola Hospital.

The prisoners are Vilisoni Tauelangi, 'Anau Lolohea, Fine Tupa, Samuela 'Alatini, Penitani 'Inia, Viliami Tapa'atoutai, Suli Tu'i'ile'ila, Peni Tupa and Nasoni Pole and each are charged with escaping lawful custody.

The Magistrate's Court at Fasi was informed on October 11 by the counsel for the prisoners, Sifa Tu'utafaiva, that Vilisoni Tauelangi is currently being kept at the Psychiatric Ward.

He submitted that because he was the only one of the prisoners who is charged with damage to property in addition to the escape charge, he wanted him present at the trial.

Magistrate Paula Tatafu then adjourned to Monday, October 18 where a report from Dr Mapa Puloka is to be provided on behalf of his patient Vilisoni. The Magistrate and counsels would meet in chambers to determine a date for the trial to begin at the lower court.

Confrontation

The men aged between 30 to 19 years old are currently serving prison sentences for housebreaking and theft at Hu'atolitoli Prison.

On November 21, 2009 in a confrontation with prison guards the prisoners who armed themselves with metal pipes broke out of the prison compound.

It is understood that the day after from escaping on November 22 they surrendered after contacting a former Prison Superintendent and telling him that they were at Makaunga.