Remand Prisoner Who Escaped Told Not to Expect Five-Star Food

Aremand prisoner, who escaped from Police custody on the grounds that he was not happy with prison food, was told by the magistrate not to expect fivestar food.

He was sentenced to six months and 14 days imprisonment.

On March 20, 2018 Semesa Bokini escaped from Tavua Hospital when he was escorted there for treatment for an injury on his foot. He was in custody at that time for a charge of aggravated robbery.

Particulars

The court heard that on the said date, Bokini was treated at the hospital with an injection and dressing and escorted from the dressing room to wait for the Police vehicle for his return to the remand centre.

While waiting for the Police vehicle Bokini escaped from the escorting Police officer.

In his interview he said after being medically examined on that day he was told to walk to the Police Station with the officer. While walking, he tapped the Police officer’s hand and ran out of the hospital. Bokini then crossed a river and waited underneath some bamboo trees until it got dark then he went to his village where his family told him to wait for the Police.

He was arrested the next day on March 21.

Prosecution stated that the accused had punched the officer three times which led to his front tooth falling out.

Magistrate Lisiate Fotofili said he was not impressed with the evidence that the officer was punched three times and he did not find the Police officer candid and convincing in his evidence.

He further stated that being subjected to inhumane treatment such as being starved or fed unhealthy food could be a justification to escape from lawful custody.

However, there was no reliable evidence to suggest that the accused’s concern about prison food had any merit and that since he was in remand he should not expect five-star food.