A man who was accused of sexually assaulting an eight-year-old boy at a campsite in Scotland has passed away in prison. John Bell, aged 44, was discovered deceased at HMP Inverness on November 8, where he was awaiting trial following the charges brought against him in July.
The alleged incident took place at a campsite near Loch Ness, where the young boy was reportedly approached inside his tent. The child’s father reacted to his son’s distress and claimed to have witnessed the suspected perpetrator fleeing the scene.
Originally from Grangemouth, Bell had his preliminary court appearance at Inverness Sheriff Court on September 1, during which he did not enter a plea. Subsequently, the case was adjourned for further investigation while Bell remained in custody.
The authorities at Police Scotland have been notified about Bell’s demise, and a Fatal Accident Inquiry will be conducted as part of the process.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson from the Scottish Prison Service expressed condolences, stating that every death, whether within prison confines or in society, is a grievous event affecting all those connected to the individual. Following a prisoner’s passing, the police are informed, and the matter is referred to the Procurator Fiscal for review.
Fatal Accident Inquiries will be conducted as per standard procedure in due time.
