Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott has been found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow of historical child sexual abuse against two primary school-age children. The 49-year-old, who famously lifted the world title at the Crucible in 2006, was convicted by a majority verdict following a five-day trial that laid bare decades-old secrets, delayed justice, and the heavy burden carried by survivors.
The Trial and the Verdict
Jurors heard harrowing testimony detailing how Dott subjected a young girl and a young boy to multiple incidents of abuse. The charges spanned two distinct timeframes: offenses against the female victim occurred between 1993 and 1996, while offenses against the male victim took place between 2006 and 2010. Both victims were of primary school age when the abuse began.
Prosecution evidence presented by Advocate Depute Lindsey Dalziel exposed a pattern of grooming and exploitation that relied entirely on access and opportunity. Jurors were told how Dott exposed himself, touched victims inappropriately, and coerced them.
Dott took the stand during the trial and vehemently denied the allegations, calling them lies and branding the claims disgusting. His defense team, led by Euan Dow, urged the jury to acquit him on all counts. The jury rejected those denials, convicting him of two counts of lewd, indecent, and libidinous behavior.
Following the verdict, Judge Lord Harrower remanded Dott in custody and placed him on the sex offenders register. Sentencing was deferred until September 29 at the High Court in Edinburgh for social work background reports.
Decades of Silence and the Reality of Delayed Reporting
One of the most striking elements of the case is the immense timeline between the initial abuse and courtroom accountability. The female complainant, now in her 40s, first reported her ordeal to a school guidance teacher back in 2001. Yet, she faced a staggering 23-year silence from investigators before police knocked on her door in November 2024 to restart the inquiry.
Survivors often internalize shame, fear, or confusion. The male victim, now in his late twenties, explained to the court that he did not fully grasp the gravity of what happened to him until years later. Historical abuse cases highlight a fundamental truth about the justice system: victims rarely come forward immediately. The psychological armor required to process trauma takes years to build. When institutions or sporting bodies finally face these realities, the fallout shatters public personas.
The Immediate Impact on Professional Snooker
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) acted swiftly when criminal charges were formally announced in April 2025, suspending Dott from all professional competition. At the time of his suspension, Dott had slipped down the rankings outside the top 50.
For a sport that prides itself on gentlemanly conduct and quiet concentration, the conviction of a former world champion is a dark milestone. Dott turned professional in 1994, building a career defined by gritty determination and a famous world final victory over Peter Ebdon, alongside runner-up finishes in 2004 and 2010. That athletic legacy is now entirely eclipsed by his criminal record.
Detective Inspector Gary Smillie of Police Scotland emphasized the predatory nature of Dott's actions following the verdict, noting that justice, though delayed, provides a measure of validation for those affected.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by issues related to sexual abuse, confidential support is available globally through national helpline services and organizations dedicated to survivor care.
