Ex-snooker world champion Graeme Dott jailed after abusing primary schoo…

Judge Condemns “Gross Violation of Trust” in Dott’s Abuse of Two Children

Former snooker world champion Graeme Dott was sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing two primary school-age children over a 17-year period, with the court describing his actions as a “gross violation of trust.” The 49-year-old, who won the World Snooker Championship in 2006, was remanded in custody following a trial in Edinburgh where jurors heard harrowing accounts of the abuse.

Dott, who turned professional in 1994, subjected a girl to multiple incidents of abuse between 1993 and 1996 and a boy between 2006 and 2010. The court heard how he exposed himself, touched victims inappropriately, and engaged in sexual acts, including penetrative activity in one case. Judge Lord Harrower told Dott he had “robbed the complainers of a significant part of their childhood,” emphasizing the “hallmarks of grooming” in his behavior.

Victims Detail Abuse Spanning Decades, Including “Guessing Games” and Shower Incidents

The trial revealed the extent of Dott’s abuse, with one victim, a woman in her 40s, describing how Dott sexually abused her during a “guessing game” where she had to “guess” what he was doing. She recalled being caressed over her clothing during a piggyback ride and later forced into a sexual act that ended when she “started to cry.”

The second victim, a man in his late 20s, described abuse that occurred in a shower, where Dott “put soap on my body and washed me,” touching him inappropriately. He said Dott “was clearly getting sexual gratification from it” and that he only realized the abuse was wrong years later. Both victims received gifts from Dott, including a teddy with a “love me” heart and a £50 note, which the man now associates with traumatic memories.

The judge noted that while Dott was a teenager during the abuse of the girl, he was an adult when he targeted the boy. “You robbed the complainers of a significant part of their childhood,” Lord Harrower said, adding that Dott “disguised your abuse as part of a game or personal care.”

Dott’s Defense: Mental Health Struggles and Continued Innocence

Dott’s lawyer, Euan Dow, argued that his client has “longstanding mental health issues” and “recognises that a custodial sentence is inevitable.” He also mentioned that Dott remains separated from his wife but receives her support. However, the judge noted that Dott continues to maintain his innocence, which prevented consideration of remorse or insight into the harm caused.

Dott denied the charges during the trial, calling the allegations “disgusting.” He claimed he had “never acted inappropriately towards anybody,” despite the jury’s guilty verdict on two counts of lewd, indecent, and libidinous behavior. The court also heard that Dott had been moved to a different section of prison after receiving threats, highlighting the risks faced by high-profile offenders.

Victims’ Courage and the Broader Implications of the Case

The case has drawn attention to the long-term impact of child sexual abuse and the challenges victims face in coming forward. Kirsty Aitken of the NSPCC praised the victims for their “immense courage” in reporting Dott, noting that they had lived for years “knowing that Dott had not been held accountable.”

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) emphasized that justice has “no time limit,” highlighting the importance of investigating historical abuse. Procurator Fiscal Faye Cook stated that Dott “exploited the trust of two children to abuse and coerce them,” adding that his criminal behavior “has been his downfall.”

The case underscores the enduring consequences of child sexual abuse and the legal accountability of public figures. As Dott begins his prison term, the victims’ testimonies serve as a stark reminder of the power dynamics and trust violations that enable such crimes. The next steps for the victims and the broader implications for sports governance remain to be seen.