URGENT UPDATE: A man accused of sexually assaulting an eight-year-old boy at a campsite in the Scottish Highlands has died in prison. John Bell, 44, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Inverness shortly after 5:20 AM on November 8, 2023.
The incident at the Loch Ness Bay Campsite, located near Drumnadrochit, reportedly occurred on July 31, when Bell allegedly approached the boy in his tent between 12:20 AM and 1:00 AM. Following these alarming events, Bell was remanded in custody and made no plea during a court appearance in September.
Reports indicate that Bell’s death does not appear to involve any suspicious circumstances. A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed, “A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
The Scottish Prison Service expressed condolences, stating, “Every death, whether in prison custody or in our communities, is a tragedy for all those who knew and supported the individual.” They further noted that Police Scotland is notified of any deaths in custody, and Fatal Accident Inquiries are conducted as necessary.
As this tragic story unfolds, the local community is grappling with the implications of these events. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities committed to transparency in this sensitive case.
What happens next in this shocking case remains to be seen, but updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for further developments on this urgent matter.
