Loch Ness Bay campsite sex assault case closed following death of suspect in Inverness prison

An investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a boy at a campsite in the Highlands has been closed after the suspect 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 appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court on Tuesday, September 2, charged under the Sexual Offences Act 2009.

The 44-year-old from Grangemouth made no plea and was remanded in custody.

Bell died at around 5.20am on Saturday behind bars at HMP Inverness. An investigation into the death is ongoing, however, it is not believed to be suspicious.

It is understood that the police investigation into the attack has been closed and detectives are not looking for any other suspects.

All criminal proceedings against Bell have come to an end following his death.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “The Procurator Fiscal has received a report on the death of 44-year-old man at HMP Inverness on November 8, 2025.

“An investigation into the death is ongoing and significant developments will be shared with next of kin throughout the investigation.”