Aniseko Vaelei

Aniseko Vaelei escaped from the old Tafaigata prison with another inmate, Pati Chong Nee, who is still on the run.

It's alleged Chong Nee was with Vaelei during his crime spree in which he broke into three family homes and took money, cellphones, jewelry and food.

He also broke into two supermarkets and took cigarettes, alcohol and $ST60,000 ($US22,000).

Vaelei was armed with a machete and threatened victims, including two children, and assaulted a Chinese couple as he robbed their store.

The prisoner, Aniseko Vaelei, was handcuffed when he appeared before the chief justice on Monday.

He admitted to eight charges including one of escape from prison.

But he denied eight other charges which relate to the aggravated robbery of a supermarket at Vailoa Faleata village in which a Chinese woman was allegedly assaulted.

Aniseko, who was captured at Tapatapao in early March, will stand trial in September on the latest charges.