Full Breakdown
Former World Snooker Champion Convicted of Historical Child Sexual Abuse
8/24/2026, 8:49:46 PM
Core Event
A Glasgow High Court jury found former world snooker champion Graeme Dott guilty of two counts of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour toward a primary-school-aged girl (1993-1996) and a boy (2006-2010). The five-day trial began on 18 August and the verdict was delivered on 24 August. Dott, 49, was taken into custody and will be sentenced at a separate hearing in Edinburgh on 29 September.
Background & Context
- The offences fall under the historic category of “lewd and libidinous practices,” which applies to child sexual crimes committed before 1 December 2010.
- Police first contacted Dott about the girl’s allegations in 2001, but no charges were laid at that time. The woman provided a new statement to police in 2025.
- The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) suspended Dott from competition in April 2025 after the charges were announced.
Data & Statistics
- Two counts of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour.
- Victim 1 (girl): abuse alleged between 1993 and 1996; she was of primary-school age at the time.
- Victim 2 (boy): abuse alleged between 2006 and 2010; he was also of primary-school age.
- Both victims were from the Glasgow area.
- The court heard that Dott exposed himself, touched the children inappropriately, kissed them, and in the boy’s case, entered a shower to “wash” him while touching him. He also gave the boy snacks, drinks and a £50 note as “rewards.”
Official Statements & Responses
- Lord Harrower, presiding judge, indicated that Dott must register his name and address with the police for inclusion on the sex-offenders register and deferred sentencing until a social-worker background report is received. He will consider the full range of sentences at the September 29 hearing.
- Kirsty Aitken, assistant director for Scotland at the NSPCC, said the verdict validates the victims’ courage and highlighted the long-lasting impact of child sexual abuse, urging survivors to seek support.
Impact and Significance
The conviction marks the first successful prosecution of a high-profile sportsperson for historic child sexual abuse in Scotland. It triggers mandatory registration on the sex-offenders register and may influence future safeguarding policies within professional snooker and other sports bodies. The case also underscores the importance of revisiting historic allegations, even when decades have passed.
What’s Next
- Dott will appear before the Edinburgh High Court on 29 September for sentencing.
- A social-worker background report will be submitted to Lord Harrower before that hearing.
- The WPBSA’s suspension of Dott remains in effect pending the outcome of the sentencing.
