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Former snooker champion Graeme Dott jailed 7 years for child sexual abuse
Former World Snooker Champion Graeme Dott has been sentenced to seven years in prison for sexually abusing a girl and a boy between 1993 and 2010. The 49-year-old was convicted at Glasgow High Court in August and sentenced at Edinburgh High Court on 29 September, with the judge stating his actions constituted a "gross violation of trust."
Quick Facts
- Convicted of two counts of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour towards children
- Exposed himself to both victims
- Touched victims inappropriately
- Kissed victims
- Performed sexual acts on one victim



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.
Why This Matters
A former elite-level professional athlete has been convicted and imprisoned for child sexual abuse spanning 17 years, affecting two identified victims. His removal from World Snooker's Hall of Fame and placement on the sex offenders register marks a formal institutional response to the conviction. The case demonstrates delayed accountability: police first contacted Dott about allegations in 2001 but did not charge him until 2024, affecting how such cases are reviewed within sports organisations and law enforcement.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 1994
WireGraeme Dott turns professional as snooker player
Jan 1, 2001
WirePolice contact Dott about victims' allegations; no charges brought
Jan 1, 2004
WireDott reaches World Snooker Championship final, loses to Ronnie O'Sullivan
Jan 1, 2006
WireDott wins World Snooker Championship, defeating Peter Ebdon at the Crucible
Jan 1, 2010
WireDott reaches World Snooker Championship final, loses to Neil Robertson
Related Signals
Sources
- Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott jailed for child sexual abuseBBCMediaSep 29, 2026
- Former snooker world champion Graeme Dott jailed for child sexual abuseThe GuardianMediaSep 29, 2026
- Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott jailed for child sexual abuseBBCMediaSep 29, 2026
- Disgraced snooker champion jailed for sexually abusing childrenThe IndependentMediaSep 29, 2026
- Ex-snooker champion Graeme Dott to be sentenced after child sex abuse convictionSTV NewsMediaSep 29, 2026