A 57-year-old man accused of multiple sex offences in the North Holland town of Schagen was found dead in his cell on Monday morning, the day his trial was due to start, local media reported.

The man, who ran a snack bar, was facing charges of sexual assault involving eight underage employees between 2014 and 2025, as well as the production and possession of child pornography.

His trial was due to begin on Monday and two days had been set aside for the hearings. The court has now suspended proceedings.

A spokesperson for the Nieuwegein remand centre said the cause of death has not yet been established. The case will be formally closed once the death has been officially confirmed.

The presiding judge described the death as a tragic event, particularly for the victims, who had hoped to see justice served and to make use of their right to speak in court, broadcaster NOS reported.