US citizen Dean Jay Fletcher

Dean Jay Fletcher fled to American Samoa on the Sea Oak in September last year.

Mr Fletcher was arrested in Tonga for the murder of his wife but In September he escaped custody.

He was recaptured later in American Samoa then taken to Honolulu where he is being held pending extradition to Tonga.

Tonga's attorney-general has now confirmed that Mr Fletcher's yacht departed American Samoa without authority.

Radio Tonga reported 'Aminiasi Kefu had requested in November that the US government return the yacht because it is related to the alleged crime.

Mr Fletcher was arrested in American Samoa after escaping from jail in Vava'u and sailing to Pago Pago in October.

His lawyer has rejected references to allegations of Mr Fletcher escaping from lawful custody.

A friend of the accused reportedly said Mr Fletcher worked for the US Army and was chased and imprisoned for injuring one of the American soldiers.

The judge said such a statement had no merit.

It is unclear as to when the federal court will issue a decision.