District court judge

Alalatoa told Police in a letter, obtained by Samoa Observer, that she cannot brush aside a number of key issues that have arisen including the possible negligence on the part of prison authorities in not providing proper supervision to prisoners working unsupervised at prison plantations.

She has also ordered a post-mortem be performed on the body.

The letter also states the possible failure of the prison authorities at Tanumalala to exercise reasonable care and attention to prevent those in custody from hurting themselves.

Born in Lower Hutt, the new District Court Judge moved to Auckland at 14, so his dad could continued his training as a methodist church minister.

After made the First XV at Selwyn College and also played basketball, volleyball and cricket before moving to Dunedin to study law at Otago University.

It was "BeeGee Williams" who called him up in 1994 and said Manu Samoa selectors had their eye on the Otago front rower.

Mika went on to play in two Rugby World Cups in the blue jersey and said Sir Bryan even inspired him to join the legal profession.

Judge Mika was one of seven new District Court judges appointed by Hon. David Parker, to replace sitting Judges who have reached retirement age.

The 52 year old played 15 tests for Manu Samoa between 1995 and 1999.

Mika first played for Samoa during the 1995 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals against South Africa. He was again part of the 1999 Rugby World Cup roster, playing three matches in the tournament, with his last international cap being the match against Wales at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

She will be sworn in before the head of state on Thursday.

Mata Tuatagaloa was appointed as permanent judge of the District court four years ago after serving as a prominent lawyer for many years.