Escaped prisoner found in Australia

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 17 June 2016, 12:00AM

The Police Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil has confirmed that the escaped prisoner Valufitu Fiu Uolilo who flew out of the country a year ago has been found and is being detained in Australia. 

Uolilo was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment for causing actual bodily harm and armed with a dangerous weapon. 

Fuiavailili said the convicted prisoner was found six months ago and he did not elaborate where Mr Uolilo was found. 

“He is going through a legal process in Australia and they had to decide whether to deport him back or keep him there,” said Fuiavailili. 

He said he is not familiar with the Justice System in Australia but they are hoping that the accused will be returned home to serve the rest of his penalty at Tafaigata.

Fuiavailili told the Samoa Observer yesterday that the process could take months and years and they are waiting patiently for his return. 

In the meantime the Transnational Crimes Unit is in contact with the Australian Federal police on the updates of Mr Uolilo’s case in Australia. 

The police commissioner believed that the Government of Australia are terrific and they did a great thing. 

“I don’t know why someone would want to keep a criminal there especially an escaped prisoner, I would rather have that person out of my country as well but that’s their opinion. They are going to do what they need to do,” added Fuiavailili. 

“We did the best we can and we do with the resources we have. We are just going to hang tight until we hear anything else from Australia.”

Fuiavailili also thanked the Australian Government and their law enforcement for playing thier part and they are still cooperating with them on the legal framework.

“We thanked the Australian Government and their law enforcement on doing their side of the job but we are still trying to work with them in the legal framework of everything else”. 

Fuiavailili did not confirm when Mr Uolilo will be transferred to Samoa as they are still waiting for the Australian Federal Police for an update.

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 17 June 2016, 12:00AM
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