Former snooker champion Graeme Dott jailed 7 years for child sexual abuse

Graeme Dott, the 2006 World Snooker Championship winner, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for sexually abusing two children over more than a decade. The 49-year-old was convicted at Glasgow High Court in August of two counts of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour following a five-day trial. He was sentenced on Tuesday, 29 September at Edinburgh High Court, where Judge Lord Harrower said Dott had "robbed the complainers of a significant part of their childhood" through a "gross violation of trust."

The abuse of the first victim, a girl, occurred between 1993 and 1996. The woman, now in her 40s, testified that the abuse began with Dott "caressing" her bottom over her clothing while giving her a piggyback. She described how he exposed himself to her, told her not to tell anyone, and touched her inappropriately, suggesting they play a "guessing game." The second victim, a man now in his late 20s, was targeted between 2006 and 2010. He told the court that Dott touched him inappropriately, kissed him, and performed sexual acts during multiple occasions, including in showers and in a car. Both victims' abuse took place in the Glasgow area.

Dott maintained his innocence throughout the trial, calling the allegations "disgusting." Police had contacted him about the victims' claims in 2001, but no charges were brought at that time. Following his conviction, Dott's name was removed from World Snooker's Hall of Fame and added to the sex offenders register. He was remanded in custody and led away in handcuffs to begin his sentence.

Dott turned professional in 1994 and won the World Championship in 2006 by defeating Peter Ebdon in the final at the Crucible in Sheffield. He also reached the championship final in 2004, where he lost to Ronnie O'Sullivan, and in 2010, where he was defeated by Neil Robertson.