Graeme Dott, a former world snooker champion, stands accused of multiple counts of historical child sexual abuse, with a trial underway at the High Court in Glasgow. The allegations, spanning over two decades, involve disturbing claims of inappropriate behaviour towards two children—one a girl in the early 1990s and the other a boy during the late 2000s.
The Allegations Unveiled
The 49-year-old snooker professional faces charges related to lewd, indecent, and libidinous conduct involving two victims. The first set of allegations concerns a girl between 1993 and 1996, primarily in the Glasgow area. The second involves a boy, with alleged abuse occurring between 2006 and 2010 at a property and inside a car in South Lanarkshire.
Both sets of charges claim that the abuse happened on multiple occasions and include accusations that Dott inappropriately touched and molested the children. Dott has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains suspended from professional competition by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) since the allegations surfaced publicly in April 2025.
Testimony from the Female Complainant
The female complainant, now in her 40s, recounted harrowing memories from when she was of primary school age. She described the early stages of abuse, recalling an incident where Dott gave her an indoor piggyback ride during which he began to “caress” her buttocks over her clothing. “I remember it was odd to me,” she told the court, explaining that Dott asked if it “felt nice,” though the exact words were hazy in her memory.
She further described a disturbing “guessing game” Dott initiated, where he told her she had to guess what he was doing. During this game, he allegedly removed her trousers, lifted her top, and kissed her stomach. The complainant said the game occurred more than once, with her eyes alternately open and closed during these episodes.
More shockingly, she alleged another incident where Dott exposed himself and coerced her into briefly performing a sexual act. She described feeling “shocked” and “scared” but also wanting to comply to avoid upsetting him. The encounter reportedly ended when she began to cry.
Throughout the abuse period, Dott allegedly gave her gifts, including a teddy bear marked with a heart and the words “love me.” The abuse is said to have ceased while she was still in primary school.
Reporting and Legal Proceedings
The woman revealed she confided in a friend during her teenage years before eventually telling her family. Following guidance from a secondary school teacher, she reported the abuse to the police in 2001. However, she said she did not hear back from law enforcement until a startling visit 23 years later, in November 2024.
Dott’s professional career began in 1994, and he achieved his greatest success by winning the World Snooker Championship in 2006, defeating Peter Ebdon in the final held at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. He also reached the finals in 2004 and 2010, losing to Ronnie O’Sullivan and Neil Robertson, respectively.
Following the public announcement of the charges, the WPBSA took immediate action, suspending Dott from all competition pending the trial’s outcome.
What This Means for the Sport and Community
The trial of Graeme Dott shines a harsh spotlight on the issue of historical child sexual abuse within sports communities. It highlights the challenges victims face in coming forward, sometimes decades after the alleged incidents, and underscores the importance of safeguarding measures and support systems in youth sports.
For the sport of snooker, which prides itself on professionalism and respect, the case poses serious reputational risks and may prompt organizations to reassess their policies on player conduct and child protection. The involvement of a high-profile athlete like Dott inevitably draws public attention and pressures governing bodies to act decisively.
As the trial continues before Lord Harrower, the courts will scrutinize the evidence carefully. Dott maintains his innocence, but the detailed testimonies presented so far have profoundly impacted public perception.
Looking Ahead
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the long-term impact of abuse and the courage it takes for survivors to step forward. It also reinforces the vital role of the justice system in addressing allegations of this nature, regardless of the accused’s status.
As society increasingly demands accountability from public figures, the outcome of Graeme Dott’s trial will resonate beyond the snooker world, influencing how abuse allegations are handled in sports and other spheres.
