Today, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Sen. the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, released the following statement in response to Devaun Cox's recent release from custody.
"I recognise that this case has reignited concerns about how our system manages offenders who pose a risk to the community and concerns around the safety of our most vulnerable children.
“I have received emails and phone messages directly from parents and grandparents alike since last Friday. I wish to reiterate that public safety remains of the highest importance.
"We are actively reviewing legislative and policy measures to strengthen child protection laws and ensure that Bermuda has the necessary tools to safeguard our precious children."
“I have, at the same time, commenced discussions with Debbie Ray Rivers of SCARS, recognising that SCARS is an important stakeholder in our efforts to review, modernise and be more responsive to the critical issue of sex offender treatment and rehabilitation.
“It is important to emphasise that judicial decisions, including sentencing and release conditions, are determined independently by the courts.
“In this instance, the Supreme Court ruled that Mr. Cox had already served his sentence while on remand and, as such, was released under conditions of probation.
“Mr Cox is subject to an elevated level of monitoring and supervision, and his probation conditions include very specific restrictions to minimise risk.
“While the Department for Court Services does not publicly disclose individual release conditions, it can confirm that many of the measures outlined by members of the public are typically included in cases involving sexual offences against children.
“This includes restrictions on employment or volunteer work involving minors, avoiding child-centric spaces such as schools and parks, and prohibitions on possessing child pornography.
“As with any case, violations of release conditions will be addressed by the courts, which have sole authority over enforcement and sentencing decisions.
“The Ministry remains committed to working with all stakeholders—including law enforcement, corrections, and child protection advocates—to ensure Bermuda’s justice system prioritises public safety.”