Talks continue about a potential “alternate facility” to deal with some of the island’s sex offenders, as well as adopting British treatment programmes.

Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, spoke after the return to court of Devaun Cox, a serial offender, after he admitted to engaging in indecent behaviour outside City Hall in Hamilton.

Ms Wilkerson said she was “very concerned about the developments surrounding Mr Cox and the implications for public safety”.

Cox, of no fixed address, is a registered sex offender whose convictions date back to 2012, including sexual assault and intruding on a girl’s privacy.

The 40-year-old had been on probation after his release from prison in February.

Ms Wilkerson acknowledged at the time that news of his release had sparked public alarm, expressed in e-mails and phone messages to her office.

Cox was remanded on Thursday after admitting in Magistrates’ Court to the latest offence. He will return to court for sentencing next month.

The Attorney-General responded by emphasising the seriousness of any report of “inappropriate behaviour in public, particularly by someone with this history”.

She added: “I appreciate the actions taken by the police and prosecutors to ensure that this latest incident was appropriately managed through the court process.

“I want to assure the public that investigating treatment options for individuals who commit sexual offences remains a matter of urgent concern for me.

“Since my last statement, I have continued to engage with professionals and key stakeholders, including Scars and international expert psychologists, to consider how Bermuda can strengthen its treatment and supervision of individuals convicted of sexual offences.”

Ms Wilkerson said in February that she was engaged in a review of child protection laws alongside talks on the issue with Debi Ray-Rivers of Scars, or Saving Children Revealing Secrets.

In an update, the Attorney-General told The Royal Gazette that “critical” insights in her continuing talks had guided the ministry in exploring “how best to access more advanced treatment options, including programmes used in the UK”.

“Serious discussions are ongoing with the relevant authorities to explore how these options could be made available locally as soon as possible,” she said.

"It is important to note that not every case involving a sexual offence fits the same mould.

“A one-size-fits-all programme will not produce the results we need.“

Ms Wilkerson said the ministry’s focus was on taking up assessment methods to analyse perpetrators individually.

She said it would be followed by a decision on “what course of programme will be successful for them and, in turn, benefit the community as a whole”.

The Attorney-General added: “I have also met with senior mental health professionals locally to assess the potential success of suggested programming and have personally engaged with an alternate facility that may be suitable for certain individuals following release.

“However, these decisions must be carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis and, in some instances, require family co-operation and further legal action.

“As ongoing assessments and consultations near completion, I expect to be able to make a determination on key next steps in the near future.

“Protecting Bermuda’s children and the wider community remains my top priority.

“My ministry is working painstakingly to ensure that we do everything possible — practically and responsibly — to address these challenges and improve our systems.”

She added that anyone with immediate concerns related to sexual offence matters should contact the Bermuda Police Service or the Department of Court Services “without hesitation”.

• On occasion The Royal Gazette may decide to not allow comments on a story that we deem may inflame sensitivities. As we are legally liable for any libellous or defamatory comments made on our website, this move is for our protection as well as that of our readers