Loch Ness 'sex attacker' who preyed on boy, 8, dies suddenly in jail - Daily Star

A 44-year-old man named John Bell, who was accused of sexually assaulting an eight-year-old boy at a Scottish campsite, has died suddenly while in prison. Bell was found dead on November 8 at HMP Inverness, where he was being held on remand after being charged with the alleged crime that reportedly took place in July. The incident involved the boy being approached inside his tent at the Loch Ness Bay Campsite during the early hours of July 31, 2025. The boy's father was awakened by his son's distress and reportedly saw Bell fleeing the scene. Bell, originally from Grangemouth, appeared privately at Inverness Sheriff Court on September 1. At this hearing, he entered no plea, and the case was sent for further examination while he remained in custody. Police Scotland have been informed of Bell’s death, and a Fatal Accident Inquiry is set to be carried out as part of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his passing. The Scottish Prison Service issued a statement expressing sadness over the death, highlighting that every death in custody or in the community is a tragedy for those who knew the individual. They confirmed that Police Scotland had been notified following Bell's death, and the matter had been reported to the Procurator Fiscal. This inquiry process is routine and aims to understand the factors leading to such incidents. At the time of the arrest earlier this year, Police Scotland released a statement explaining the situation. They confirmed that officers had received a report of the sexual assault at the Loch Ness Bay Campsite, and that the incident occurred between 12:20 am and 1:00 am on July 31. Detective Superintendent Calum Smith thanked the local community for their cooperation, especially local businesses and individuals who provided information during the investigation. The incident has had a significant impact on the small, close-knit community of Drumnadrochit, a village located on the banks of Loch Ness. Local councillor David Fraser told BBC Scotland News that the event was "totally shocking" and affected everyone in the community. He emphasized that such incidents are extremely rare in this area, which is known for welcoming visitors and maintaining a peaceful environment. Fraser said it was hard to express the full impact the event has had on the village and its residents. Police enquiries into the case are still ongoing, and a formal report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. The wider community continues to grapple with the ramifications of the alleged assault, while also awaiting further developments following Bell’s unexpected death. The case highlights the challenges faced by justice and law enforcement authorities in handling sensitive cases involving vulnerable victims, and the processes required when a suspect dies while in custody.