Drumnadrochit: John Bell, 44, accused of molesting boy at Loch Ness Bay found dead in Inverness prison
CONTENT WARNING: CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
A man who allegedly sexually assaulted a young boy was found dead in his prison cell.
John Bell, 44, was detained at HMP Inverness, Scotland, when prison officers found his body on November 8.
Mr Bell was arrested after allegedly attacking an eight-year-old boy who was on a camping trip at Loch Ness Bay, near Drumnadrochit.
The child was alone in the tent when the alleged attack took place around 1 a.m. on July 31.
His father woke up after hearing distressed screams and witnessed the alleged attacker fleeing into the woods.
A manhunt eventually led to the capture of Mr. Bell, who was charged on September 1.
He did not make any plea before his death.
The police launched an investigation into the death of the person, who was thought to be a suicide. There will also be a fatal accident investigation. Sun reported.
A prison service spokesman said Mr Bell’s death was a tragedy.
“Every death, whether in prison or in our community, is a tragedy for everyone who knows and supports the individual,” the spokesperson said.
“Following the death of someone in our care, Police Scotland was notified and the matter was reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
“Fatal Accident Investigations are being conducted in due course.”
This follows the arrest of three prison inmates over the death of a child killer.
Police were called to HMP Wakefield prison in West Yorkshire at 8.25am on Wednesday morning following reports of the death of a prisoner.
The man has been identified as 33-year-old Kyle Bevan, who was jailed in 2020 for the murder of his partner’s two-year-old daughter, Lola James.
West Yorkshire police said Bevan’s death was being treated as “suspicious” and investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Police said in a statement that three male inmates were arrested on suspicion of murder.
No further information was given about the incident or the identities of the prisoners.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact Sexual Assault Counseling Australia on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or 1800 211 028.
Young people looking for support can call beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or visit headspace.org.au.
