A former world snooker champion, Graeme Dott, 49, stands accused of serious historical child sex abuse charges that have sent shockwaves through the sporting community. The trial at the High Court in Glasgow centers on allegations of lewd and indecent behavior towards two children, spanning two distinct periods over nearly two decades.
The Allegations Unveiled: Abuse Spanning Years and Locations
Dott faces multiple charges involving two victims: a girl who was allegedly abused between 1993 and 1996, and a boy who was targeted from 2006 to 2010. The accusations include claims that Dott engaged in inappropriate touching and molestation on “various occasions,” with incidents reportedly occurring in different locations. The girl’s abuse is said to have happened in the Glasgow area, while the boy’s allegations point to a property and a vehicle in South Lanarkshire.
The female complainant, now in her 40s, testified that the abuse began when she was in primary school. One of her earliest memories involved Dott giving her an indoor piggyback ride during which he “caressed” her buttocks over her clothing. She recalled feeling that the behavior was “odd,” and Dott’s words at the time—“does that feel nice”—still lingered in her memory.
She also described a disturbing “guessing game” Dott initiated, where he told her to guess what he was doing while he removed her trousers, lifted her top, and kissed her stomach. This game reportedly happened multiple times. The woman revealed even more harrowing details, including an incident where Dott exposed himself and coerced her into a brief sexual act, leaving her “shocked” and “scared.” Despite her fear, she complied because she “didn’t want to upset him.” The abuse ended after she began to cry.
The complainant further shared that Dott tried to appease her by buying toys, including a teddy bear emblazoned with a love heart that said “love me.” She said the abuse stopped while she was still in primary school and that she confided in a friend as a teenager before eventually informing family members. Following a guidance teacher’s advice at secondary school, she reported the abuse to the police in 2001. However, she recalled no follow-up from authorities until a police visit 23 years later in November 2024, which she described as “a complete shock.”
Graeme Dott’s Career and Current Legal Status
Graeme Dott turned professional in 1994 and rose to prominence by winning the coveted World Snooker Championship in 2006. His victory at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield came after defeating Peter Ebdon. Dott also reached the final of this prestigious tournament twice more: in 2004, when he lost to Ronnie O’Sullivan, and in 2010, when Neil Robertson bested him.
Since the charges emerged publicly in April 2025, Dott has been suspended from competition by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA). The suspension reflects the body’s commitment to safeguarding and maintaining the integrity of the sport amid serious allegations against one of its prominent figures.
Why This Trial Matters
The trial of Graeme Dott underscores the ongoing reckoning with historical child sexual abuse in sports and society at large. It highlights the challenges survivors face when coming forward, often decades after abuse occurs, and the importance of pursuing justice regardless of a perpetrator’s status or achievements.
For the snooker community, this case brings intense scrutiny to safeguarding policies and the responsibility of sport governing bodies to protect minors and vulnerable individuals in all environments. The case also serves as a reminder of the complexities victims endure in reporting abuse and the long-lasting impact such trauma can have.
As the trial continues under Lord Harrower at the High Court in Glasgow, all eyes remain on the proceedings. The outcome will not only affect the individuals involved but also resonate across the sporting world and beyond, emphasizing the need for vigilance, accountability, and support for survivors.
Looking Ahead
Graeme Dott has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial will thoroughly examine the evidence and testimonies, providing a critical moment for justice to be served. For survivors of abuse and advocates, the case represents both hope and the ongoing struggle to confront and eradicate child sexual abuse.
As this high-profile trial unfolds, it will inevitably influence future safeguarding measures and raise awareness about the importance of protecting children in every sphere—especially within sports where trust and mentorship are foundational.
