Man accused of sexually assaulting boy on family camping trip in Highlands dies in jail

A man who was accused of sexually assaulting a boy during a family camping trip in the Highlands has died in prison.

An investigation was launched after an eight-year-old boy was reportedly approached by a man and sexually assaulted while inside a tent at Loch Ness Bay Campsite in Drumnadrochit on July 31.

The boy was in Scotland on a family holiday, with his parents asleep in an adjacent tent.

John Bell, 44, appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court on Tuesday, September 2, charged under the Sexual Offences Act 2009.

He made no plea and was remanded in custody.

STV News understands he died at around 5.20am on Saturday. Police said there are no suspicious circumstances.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 5.20am on Saturday, November 8, 2025, we were made aware of the death of a man at HMP Inverness.

“There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted 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.”