Former snooker world champion Graeme Dott convicted of child sexual abuse in Glasgow

Conviction at the High Court in Glasgow

A jury at the High Court in Glasgow convicted 49-year-old former snooker world champion Graeme Dott on 24 August 2026 of two counts of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour against two children. The verdict concluded a five-day trial examining offences committed across two separate periods in the Glasgow area. The first charge covered actions against a young girl between 1993 and 1996, while the second charge addressed abuse against a young boy between 2006 and 2010. Both victims were around 10 years old at the time of the offences. Detective Inspector Gary Smillie of Police Scotland commented on the verdict outside the court.

Dott is a dangerous individual and I hope this conviction provides some measure of comfort to those impacted by his crimes.

Evidence presented by the two victims

The female victim, now in her 40s, testified that Dott repeatedly abused her during childhood in the Glasgow area. She told the court the abuse began with Dott caressing her buttocks over her clothing while giving her a piggyback ride. She described a subsequent occasion where Dott suggested playing a guessing game, exposed himself, and touched her with different parts of his body, including his penis. The woman stated that Dott ordered her never to disclose the abuse to anyone. Although police initially contacted her about the case in 2001, formal charges were only brought after she reported the offences again last year.

The male victim, now in his late 20s, told jurors that Dott repeatedly assaulted him between 2006 and 2010. He testified that Dott entered the shower either partly or completely undressed, put soap on his body, and touched him inappropriately while obtaining sexual gratification. He stated that he did not comprehend the nature of the abuse at the time due to his age. Dott also gave him crisps, drinks, and money as rewards, and subjected him to further abuse inside a car by kissing him and pushing up against him.

Denial in court and remanded custody

Dott denied all charges while giving evidence during the trial under cross-examination by prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel. He rejected the allegations, stating there was no possibility he abused the children and labelling the claims as falsehoods. Jurors rejected his defence, delivering guilty verdicts on both charges on Monday afternoon. The court remanded Dott in prison custody immediately following the decision. Sentencing is scheduled to take place next month at the High Court in Edinburgh, with dates cited as 20 September or 29 September.

Career background and sporting suspension

Dott competed on the professional snooker circuit for 26 years before his governing body took action following the charges. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) suspended him last year after the indictment was formally announced. Dott reached the peak of his career in 2006 when he won the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, defeating Peter Ebdon 18-14 in the final. His offending against the young boy took place during the era of that championship victory and his subsequent run to the 2010 world final, following an earlier runner-up finish in 2004.