Graeme Dott jailed seven years for child sexual abuse

Timeline of Abuse and Legal Proceedings

Graeme Dott, a former world snooker champion, was sentenced to seven years in prison for sexually abusing two children over a 17-year period. The abuse targeted a girl between 1993 and 1996 and a boy between 2006 and 2010. Dott, who turned professional in 1994, was found guilty in August 2026 after a five-day trial at Glasgow High Court. The sentencing occurred at Edinburgh High Court on September 29, 2026, with the jail term backdated to the start of the offenses.

Victims' Testimonies and Courtroom Accounts

The trial heard harrowing accounts from both victims. The woman, now in her 40s, described Dott as "caressing" her bottom during a piggyback ride and later forcing her into a "guessing game" involving exposure and touch. She said Dott warned her not to tell anyone and gave her a teddy with a "love me" message as a gift. The man, now in his late 20s, recounted being washed in a shower by Dott, who touched him inappropriately and "pleasured himself" during the act. He also described being kissed and "pushed against" in a car. Both victims received gifts from Dott, which they said were used to manipulate them.

The judge, Lord Harrower, emphasized that Dott's actions "robbed the complainers of a significant part of their childhood" and involved "the hallmarks of grooming." He noted that while Dott was a child during the abuse of the girl, he was an adult when targeting the boy, highlighting the "gross violation of trust."

Dott’s Defense and Aftermath

Dott denied the charges, claiming he had "never acted inappropriately toward anybody." His lawyer, Euan Dow, cited his client’s "longstanding mental health issues" and stated that Dott’s "personal and professional reputations have been destroyed." Dott, who was separated from his wife but received her support, was remanded in custody and added to the sex offenders’ register. His name was also removed from the World Snooker Hall of Fame following the conviction.

The court heard that Dott had "received threats" in jail and was moved to a different section for his safety. Prosecutors emphasized that the case underscored the importance of holding figures in positions of authority accountable, even decades after the abuse occurred. Procurator Fiscal Faye Cook stated, "Graeme Dott achieved success and public admiration but, in private, he exploited the trust of two children to abuse and coerce them."

Impact on Snooker Community and Public Reaction

Dott’s conviction has sparked widespread condemnation within the snooker community. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) permanently revoked his membership and removed him from the Hall of Fame following an emergency board meeting. Kirsty Aitken of the NSPCC called the case "devastating," noting that the victims had lived for years "knowing that Dott had not been held accountable." The case has also reignited discussions about the handling of historical abuse allegations, particularly against public figures.

Dott’s career, which included winning the 2006 World Snooker Championship, is now overshadowed by the conviction. His legal team has not indicated plans for an appeal, and he is expected to serve the full seven-year sentence.

The case of Graeme Dott underscores the long-term consequences of child sexual abuse and the challenges victims face in seeking justice. As Dott begins his prison term, the focus remains on the survivors and the broader implications for accountability in public and private spheres. The next step for the victims is likely to involve ongoing support and advocacy, while legal and sporting authorities continue to address the fallout from the conviction.