Man charged with sexually assaulting 8-year-old boy found dead in prison cell

A 44-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting an eight-year-old boy has been found dead in his prison cell. John Bell, who died on November 8 behind bars, was remanded in custody over the alleged attack on a child at the Loch Ness Bay Campsite in Scotland. A boy, 8, was in his tent alone when he was sexually assaulted on July 31 between midnight and 1am. The child’s dad, who was in a nearby tent, was woken up by his son and said he saw the attacker running into the woods.

Bell, of Grangemouth in Falkirk, was charged on September 1 after the sexual assault sparked a police manhunt. He appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court charged under the Sexual Offences Act 2009, where he made no plea. The alleged attacker was committed for further examination and remanded into custody. 

Detective Superintendent Calum Smith said at the time: “We would like to thank the local community for their support during our investigation, in particular local businesses and those who came forward with information.”

Police reportedly seized more than 1,500 hours of CCTV footage and visited almost 100 properties as part of their investigation into finding Bell.

The accused was remanded at HMP Inverness when he died on Saturday, November 8. A police probe has since been launched as they aim to examine the full circumstances of the death. However, it is thought he has taken his own life, The Sun reports. 

Bell’s next of kin have been informed as the investigation begins. 

A Fatal Accident inquiry will be held into the circumstances surrounding his death and it will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson 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.”

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