Full Breakdown
Former World Snooker Champion Graeme Dott Sentenced to Seven Years for Historical Child Sexual Abuse
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Conviction and Sentencing
Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott (49) was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh to seven years’ imprisonment for sexually abusing two primary-school-age children. The sentence was back-dated to the day Dott was taken into custody after his conviction.
Background & Context
Dott won the World Snooker Championship in 2006, defeating Peter Ebdon at the Crucible Theatre, and was runner-up in 2004 and 2010. After the criminal charges emerged in 2025, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) suspended him and later revoked his membership, removing his name from the sport’s Hall of Fame.
Timeline
- August 18 – Five-day trial began at the High Court in Glasgow.
- August 24 – Jury found Dott guilty of two counts of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour toward a girl (1993-1996) and a boy (2006-2010).
- September 29 – Sentencing hearing in Edinburgh; seven-year term imposed and Dott placed on the sex-offenders register.
Data & Statistics
- Victims: Two children, both primary-school age at the time of abuse.
- Abuse periods: Girl targeted between 1993 and 1996; boy targeted between 2006 and 2010.
- Charges: Two counts of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour.
Official Statements & Responses
- Lord Harrower (judge): Stated the abuse “bore the hallmarks of grooming” and that Dott’s actions constituted a “gross violation of trust.”
- Police Scotland: Detective Inspector Gary Smillie praised the victims’ bravery and described Dott as a “dangerous individual.”
- Euan Dow (lawyer for Dott): In mitigation, noted Dott’s “long-standing mental health issues,” his separation from his wife (who remains supportive), and that the conviction had “destroyed” his personal and professional reputation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In both cases the abuse included penetrative sexual activity and in the case of Jane behaviour that would now be classed as rape.” — Lord Harrower, judge
- “Your behaviour bore the hallmarks of grooming.” — Lord Harrower, judge
Impact and Consequences
Following the conviction, Dott’s name was removed from the World Snooker Hall of Fame and his WPBSA membership was permanently revoked. He must register his name and address with police and remain on the sex-offenders register indefinitely. The sentencing marks the culmination of a criminal case that began with a five-day trial and resulted in the loss of Dott’s standing within professional snooker.
What's Next
Dott will serve his seven-year term, during which a background report from a social-work professional will be considered by the court for any further sentencing adjustments. No additional hearings have been scheduled.
