09/09/2008

Man Facing Sex Charges Found Dead

A 62-year-old man, who was due to stand trial on sex abuse charges, has been found dead on a beach in Scotland.

William Henderson, of 3 Black Court, Aviemore, was found close to the Kessock Bridge in Inverness on Monday. He was found just as the case was calling at the Highcourt in Inverness.

It is understood the alarm was raised, as the trial was due to start, after Henderson sent a text message warning of his plans to jump from the bridge.

A team, including coastguards, police and a local lifeboat was carried out. They found the man's body at 2.40pm on Monday.

The Judge, Lord Turnbull adjourned the case until Tuesday and refrained from issuing a warrant for the accused, after receiving the information.

A Northern Constabulary spokesman said: "A man was recovered from the north shore of the Moray Firth Basin at North Kessock at 1440 BST.

"Emergency services attended and despite their efforts the man was pronounced dead at the scene."

Mr Henderson was facing charges relating to sexual offences involving two boys in Dumfries between 1966 and 1972. He denied the charges.

(JM/KMcA)

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