Public Safety Minister David Burch yesterday revealed he had rejected an approach to let a UK adviser carry out an inspection of Bermuda's prisons.

Mr. Burch said he was satisfied a recent review carried out by former prisons boss Bryan Payling — and continued by his replacement Eddie Lamb — was sufficient.

Asked about recent media reports that the Overseas Territories prison adviser would not be welcome at Bermuda's prisons, the Minister told a press conference: "He's not allowed into any of our prisons."

He said he received a request about the visit several weeks ago, and had asked for qualification about why it was needed.

"I have not to date received an explanation that's satisfactory to me, so I said no thank you," he said.

"There comes a time when you have enough reports and it's time to act."