Man in court accused of sexually assaulting boy on family camping trip

A man has appeared in court accused of sexually assaulting a young boy during a family camping trip in the Highlands.

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

An investigation was launched after the eight-year-old child was reportedly approached by a man and attacked 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.

In a press conference following the reported attack, police said the boy’s father overheard the incident and witnessed the suspect leaving the area.

Police Scotland said specialist officers were continuing to support the boy and his family.

The incident left locals in the quiet, rural area “shocked and devastated”.

Detectives launched a major manhunt, seizing 1,500 hours of CCTV and knocking on almost 100 doors in the villages on the western shore of Loch Ness.

Officers traced visitors were staying at the campsite at the time of the alleged attack.

More than four weeks later, police confirmed on Monday that a 44-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident. He was then charged in connection with the sexual assault.

Bell, of Grangemouth, appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court on Tuesday. He made no plea and was remanded in custody.

He is due to appear in court again in the next eight days.

Detective superintendent Calum Smith said: “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.”

Enquiries are ongoing and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.