Samoa’s most wanted escaped prisoner, Lauititi Tualima, who was convicted of raping an Australian tourist, has apologised in court today.
“I’m sorry, I feel so small and useless and I will accept whatever punishment you hand down to my actions,” Tualima said.
“I have spent so long in a prison cell however, I will accept my fate,” he added.
“I know I have done horrible things as a prisoner and I humbly apologise your Honour,” he said.
Tualima appeared before Justice Lesatele Rapi Vaai.
Tualima was found guilty of attacking a couple in their bungalow as well as raping the woman in September last year.
He was charged with three counts of sexual assault, one count of breaking and entering, one count of theft, one count of verbal threats and one count of being armed with a dangerous weapon.
“The victims were held at bay by the defendant with a pair of scissors, telling them if they make any noise he will kill them,” said the registrar.
Tualima committed the offences while he was on the run from Tafaigata Prison.
The Prosecution submitted that Tualima be sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for the charges of sexual assault.
He will be sentenced on 19 August.