Aniseko Vaelei is being tried in relation to offences allegedly committed after he escaped.
But he has complained about the food in prison and a lack of access to showers, prompting the presiding judge, Justice Leiataualesa Darrel Clarke, to tell him he could file formal complaints with both police and prison authorities.
The inmate is currently serving a jail term on other criminal charges.
He will be sentenced next week on separate offences - including burglary, aggravated robbery, being armed with a dangerous weapon and stealing $US27,000 from a supermarket owned by a Chinese couple.
Source:
RNZ Pacific