Public Safety Minister Terry Lister has labelled escaped sex offender David Burrows a predator who could strike again.

But he clashed with Police over how Burrows had survived on the run for so long.

Burrows, 21, broke out of doctor's offices at the Arches in Paget on June 9 and has been on the run ever since.

Yesterday Mr. Lister said he believed people knew how dangerous was. “He's a predator. That is why I believe there's been no harbouring. There's no evidence of harbouring as yet.

“We think he's living in the rough. We have had reports from people who think he's slept in their yard last night, this sort of thing.

“There have also been break-ins into different buildings at night which indicate someone was there. The thought was that he was staying there.”

Food went missing if it was there said Mr. Lister.

However Police spokesman Dwayne Caines said he believed the public were harbouring Burrows.

“I think I have said that quite a few times. It's clear he is getting some assistance in some way shape or form by some people either inadvertently or advertently.”

Asked to explain the latter he said Burrows might turn up and ask for food and be given it by people who haven't recognised him.

The Minister was asked if he was frustrated about the time it was taking to nab Burrows.

He said: “I am very concerned about him being out because of the crimes for which he's been convicted.

“He was earlier on bail for having had a relationship with a very, very young girl. Whilst on bail he impregnated another very young girl.

“That has to be something that concerns us. If he can do that when he's on bail who's to say what he will do now while he's on the run?”

He urged the public to call if Burrows was sighted. “We regard this as a dangerous situation.”

Police have pasted ‘Wanted' posters with Burrows' picture Island-wide and Prison Commissioner John Prescod has launched an investigation into how he escaped.

Burrows was convicted of sexual assault after a jury found him guilty in May of having intercourse with a 13-year-old girl.

At his sentencing the court also learned that he fathered twins with a 15-year-old and had a previous conviction for the same offence with a different 13-year-old.

He is described as light brown skinned with black hair, 5' 9 tall weighing 160 pounds.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Burrows is urged to contact Police CID at 295-0011 or the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-623-8427. A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Burrows' recapture. Police have said it is an offence to harbour a criminal and anyone that does so is liable to prosecution.