John Bell, 44, was found dead at HMP Inverness on November 8, where he was being held on remand after being charged with sexually assaulting the child in July
A man accused of sexually assaulting an eight-year-old boy at a Scottish campsite has died in prison. John Bell, 44, was discovered dead at HMP Inverness on November 8, where he was being held on remand after being charged with the alleged sexual assault of the child in July.
The child was allegedly approached within his tent at the Loch Ness campsite. The boy’s father woke up to his son’s distress and reported seeing the alleged attacker fleeing the scene, according to the Daily Record.
Bell, hailing from Grangemouth, made a private appearance at Inverness Sheriff Court on September 1, where he entered no plea. The case was committed for further examination while Bell remained in custody.
Police Scotland have been notified of the death and a Fatal Accident Inquiry will be conducted. A spokesperson for the Scottish Prison Service stated: “Every death, whether in prison custody or in our communities, is a tragedy for all those who knew and supported the individual.”
“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.”
At the time of Bell’s arrest earlier this year, Police Scotland issued a statement: “A 44-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the sexual assault of an eight-year-old boy in Drumnadrochit.
“Officers received a report that the child had been approached within his tent at the Loch Ness Bay Campsite, between 12.20am and 1am on Thursday, July 31, 2025.”
Detective Superintendent Calum Smith added: “We would like to thank the local community for their support during our investigation, in particular local businesses and those who came forward with information.” The Daily Record reported that enquiries are ongoing and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
After the alleged attack, local councillor David Fraser told BBC Scotland News the incident was “totally shocking” and had “affected the whole community”. He said: “Drumnadrochit is a small highland community on the banks of Loch Ness and things like this don’t usually happen here.
“It is a small, close-knit community, we welcome visitors all the time. We are completely shocked that something like this could happen within our village. Words cannot describe the impact this event will have had.”
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