Prison Death of Man Accused of Campsite Sexual Assault
A 44-year-old man charged with sexually assaulting a young boy at a Scottish Highlands campsite has died while in custody at HMP Inverness. John Bell from Grangemouth in Falkirk had been remanded in prison following the alleged incident that occurred on July 31st at the Loch Ness Bay campsite in Drumnadrochit.
Details of the Alleged Campsite Incident
According to Police Scotland, the alleged assault took place between 12.20am and 1am on July 31st when a man reportedly approached an eight-year-old boy in his tent. The child's family were sleeping in a separate tent adjacent to his when the incident occurred.
The boy's father reportedly heard the disturbance and emerged to see a man walking away from his son's tent. When the father confronted the suspect about his actions, the man responded before walking off the premises.
Bell had appeared in court in September regarding the allegations but had made no plea during his court appearance. He had been held in custody at the Inverness prison facility since his remand.
Prison Service Response and Investigation
A spokesperson for the Scottish Prison Service confirmed the death, stating: "Every death, whether in prison custody or in our communities, is a tragedy for all those who knew and supported the individual."
The prison service confirmed that standard procedures were being followed, with Police Scotland notified and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be conducted in due course as required by Scottish law.
Police Scotland indicated they were made aware of the death at approximately 5.20am on Saturday morning. A police spokesperson confirmed that there do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding Bell's death in his cell.
The case has now concluded with the accused's death, leaving unanswered questions about the allegations that had been brought before the courts.
