A man who was accused of molesting an eight-year-old boy at a campsite in Scotland has passed away while in prison. John Bell, aged 44, was discovered deceased at HMP Inverness on November 8. He was under remand following charges of sexually assaulting the child back in July.
The alleged incident took place at Loch Ness campsite where the child was reportedly approached inside his tent. The boy’s father awoke to his son in distress and claimed to have witnessed the suspected perpetrator fleeing the scene, as documented by the Daily Record.
Originally from Grangemouth, Bell had a court appearance at Inverness Sheriff Court on September 1, during which he did not enter a plea. The case was scheduled for further examination while Bell remained in custody.
The authorities at Police Scotland have been notified about Bell’s death, and a Fatal Accident Inquiry is set to be conducted. A spokesperson from the Scottish Prison Service expressed condolences, stating that every death, whether in custody or otherwise, is a tragic event for those connected to the individual.
In the aftermath of a death in their care, the Scottish Prison Service informs Police Scotland with the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Subsequently, Fatal Accident Inquiries are conducted as part of the standard procedure.