A man charged with sexually assaulting an eight-year-old boy in the Scottish Highlands has died in prison. John Bell, 44, was accused over an incident at the Loch Ness Bay campsite near Drumnadrochit onJuly 31.
It was reported that a man approached a boy in his tent between 12.20am and 1am that day. Bell, from Grangemouth, had been held on remand at HMP Inverness and made no plea during a court appearance in September. It is suggested that he died in his cell.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Prison Service said: “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.”
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Around 5.20am on Saturday November 8, we were made aware of the death of a man at HMP Inverness.
“There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
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