Accused Man Dies in Custody After Highlands Campground Allegation
A 44-year-old man charged with the sexual assault of an eight-year-old boy at a popular Scottish Highlands campsite has died while in prison custody.
John Bell was being held on remand at HMP Inverness following the alleged incident, which occurred at the Loch Ness Bay Campsite near Drumnadrochit on July 31 this year.
Details of the Alleged Campground Assault
The court heard that the alleged assault took place between 12.20am and 1am while the young boy was alone in his family's tent. The child's father was in a separate tent at the time.
According to Police Scotland, the father noticed a man walking away from his son's tent and immediately contacted authorities. Bell was subsequently arrested and charged.
Police described the event as “hugely traumatising for the child and his family – and naturally worrying to the community.”
Bell made an appearance in court during September, where he did not enter a plea. He was remanded in custody pending further proceedings.
Prison Death and Official Response
John Bell was found deceased in his cell at 5.20am on Saturday, November 8. Reports indicate he died at HMP Inverness.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed the death, stating: “There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
The Scottish Prison Service also issued a statement, noting: “Every death, whether in prison custody or in our communities, is a tragedy for all those who knew and supported the individual.”
Standard procedure following a death in custody involves notifying Police Scotland and reporting the matter to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.
