A man accused of sexually assaulting an eight-year-old boy at a popular Highland campsite near Loch Ness has died while in custody at HMP Inverness.
John Bell, 44, from Grangemouth, faced charges related to an incident that occurred at the Loch Ness Bay campsite near Drumnadrochit during the early hours of July 31st.
The Disturbing Campsite Incident
The alleged assault took place while the young victim was on holiday with his family in the Scottish Highlands. The eight-year-old boy was sleeping in a separate tent from his parents, with his father's tent positioned nearby.
Police received reports of a man entering the child's tent between 12:20am and 1am on July 31st. The boy's father became aware of the situation when he noticed a man walking away from his son's tent.
The concerned father confronted the individual, demanding to know what he was doing. After exchanging words with the father, the man walked away from the scene.
Legal Proceedings and Custody
John Bell was subsequently charged in connection with the incident and remanded in custody at HMP Inverness. During his court appearance in September, Bell made no plea regarding the sexual assault allegations.
The case had been described by authorities as particularly distressing, with Police Scotland noting the incident had been 'hugely traumatising for the child and his family - and naturally worrying to the community'.
Prison Death Investigation
Police Scotland confirmed they were notified about the death of a prisoner at HMP Inverness on Saturday, just before 5:30am.
A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson addressed the tragedy, stating: 'Every death, whether in prison custody or in our communities, is a tragedy for all those who knew and supported the individual.'
The spokesperson outlined standard procedure following such incidents: 'Following the death of someone in our care, Police Scotland are advised and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Fatal Accident Inquiries are held in due course.'
Authorities have indicated that there do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding Bell's death. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal as part of the standard investigation process.
The case has now taken a dramatic turn with the accused's death, leaving unanswered questions for both the victim's family and the local community that had been alarmed by the original incident.
