Government could hold an inquiry into the death of inmate Stephen (Pepe) Dill.

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Kulandra Ratneser has ruled no criminal charges will be laid in the case of Dill who died at the Farm Facility in St. George's on December 19, 2001.

An inquest into the matter ruled in October last year that Mr. Dill, 41, died as a result of "the absence of timely medical intervention from the complication of bronchial asthma, which was possibly exacerbated by poly-drug abuse."

He had pleaded for medical assistance for seven hours after suffering an asthma attack.

Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton said yesterday: "The Director of Public Prosecutions has recommended to Government a public inquiry be held to determine any weaknesses in the system regarding medical care for inmates and to determine what changes should be made."

Mr. Horton said he would be discussing the matter with the Governor and the Cabinet and promised to notify the House next week of progress.

He said: "Whilst no decision has been taken to launch an official inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Dill, I can assure the Members of this Honourable House, the members of Mr. Dill's family and the people of Bermuda that numerous steps have been taken within the correctional facility to improve procedures, particularly with respect to nursing provisions.

"There has been a complete review of the Department's Medical Emergency Protocol, designed to facilitate the prompt response to medical emergencies within the individual facilities. "Additionally, improved training is being offered to all Correctional Officers.

"May I at this time once again, on behalf of the Government, extend heartfelt sympathy to the immediate family and close friends of Mr. Dill."

Opposition Home Affairs spokesman Maxwell Burgess said an inquiry would come as a comfort to Mr. Dill's family and also help renew the public's faith in prison officers who faced a difficult job.