Outgoing Police Commissioner Colin Coxall refused to be drawn into a fresh controversy as he jetted out from Bermuda for the last time yesterday.

Mr. Coxall waved goodbye to the Island after two-and-a-half years in charge of the Bermuda Police Service when he left for Boston on the 1 p.m. flight.

And he would not comment on accusations from Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness that he did not produce a proper plan to find his successor.

But Mr. Coxall did speak to The Royal Gazette about his desire to return to Bermuda -- on vacation only.

He said: "I would love to come back -- but certainly only for a holiday.'' Mr. Coxall, whose career as Bermuda's top policeman was dogged by controversy, arrived at Bermuda International Airport in a grey Mitsubishi Galant Police car at 12.30 p.m.

Assistant commissioners Jean-Jacques Lemay and Harold Moniz were already on hand to say their final farewells to Mr. Coxall and his wife Shirley as they checked in for their American Airlines flight. Mr. Coxall said: "I have no regrets whatsoever about taking the job in Bermuda.

"But I am very sorry to be leaving -- especially considering we made so many close friends on the Island.

"I do hope to see them all again at some stage in the future, probably when I return for that holiday.'' Mr. Coxall, 57, would not comment on whether or not he received full support from the Police hierarchy and Government.

Speaking outside the US departures area, he would only say: "I don't want to discuss political issues now.

"I would rather say how much I have enjoyed leading the Police here and what a great honour it has been for me.

"I would like to publicly thank all of the Bermuda Police officers who have helped me within the organisation and the entire community for their great assistance.

"My final words would have to be that I'm sorry to be leaving but I'm looking forward to a great retirement.'' Mr. Coxall left a post as Assistant Commissioner with the City of London Police to take the top Bermuda Police job in January 1995.

During his command, he was accused of not getting on with senior officers and failing to promote enough black officers within the Police hierarchy.

He was also criticised for firing of assistant commissioner Wayne Perinchief.

And he launched an investigation after cheques made out by Environment Minister Irving Pearman were found on suspected drug dealers during a nationwide Police operation.

But Mr. Coxall was also praised for slashing Bermuda's crime figures and modernising the Police Service.

Earlier this week, he released a blueprint for the future of the Island's policing and suggested new training procedures and a national crime prevention strategy.

His last official duty was to attend a five-day Police conference in Florida for heads of forces all around the world.

But even that drew fire from Shadow Home Affairs Minister Alex Scott.

Now Mr. Coxall and his wife are planning to spend several days in Boston before returning to England to plan their retirement.

See Editorial, page 4