Graeme Dott, the 49-year-old former world snooker champion, has been convicted of sexually abusing two children over several years, according to a ruling by the High Court in Glasgow on Monday (August 18). The offences, which date back decades, have shocked Scotland and the sporting world.
Dott faced two charges of “lewd, indecent and pornographic behaviour” involving a girl between 1993 and 1996, and a boy between 2006 and 2010. The indictment stated that he sexually assaulted the girl, exposed himself, and forced her to touch him. In the case of the boy, Dott was accused of making sexual remarks and touching the victim’s genitals.
Despite denying all charges, the jury found him guilty after a trial at the High Court in Glasgow. Dott will be sentenced next month. In a statement to the press, Detective Chief Inspector Gary Smillie of Police Scotland said: “Dott is a dangerous individual, and I hope this conviction brings some comfort to those affected by his crimes.”
Graeme Dott was once one of the world’s top snooker players. He won the world championship in 2006, beating Peter Ebdon 18-14 in the final, and was runner-up in 2004 and 2010. After the allegations were made public last year, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association suspended his playing status.
