Former snooker world champion Graeme Dott was sentenced to seven years in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday after being convicted of sexually abusing two primary school-age children during separate periods spanning nearly two decades.
Trial Verdicts and Convictions at the High Court
In August, a five-day trial at the High Court in Glasgow resulted in a majority jury verdict finding Dott guilty of two counts of lewd, indecent, and libidinous behaviour. The charges involved a female victim and a male victim targeted years apart. Dott denied all charges throughout the proceedings.
During the trial, jurors heard testimony from the female victim, now in her 40s, who stated that Dott abused her on multiple occasions between 1993 and 1996. She recounted that the abuse began when he caressed her bottom while giving her a piggyback ride and described incidents where he exposed himself and touched her with his body.
The second victim, a man now in his late 20s, testified that the abuse occurred between 2006 and 2010. He told the court that Dott touched him inappropriately, kissed him, and performed sexual acts, often while the victim was in a shower. Following the sentencing in Edinburgh, Lord Harrower remanded Dott in custody and ordered his name added to the sex offenders register.
Impact on Dott’s Snooker Career and Hall of Fame Status
Graeme Dott turned professional in 1994 and reached the pinnacle of his sport in 2006, when he defeated Peter Ebdon in the final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield to win the World Snooker Championship. He reached the tournament’s final on two other occasions, losing to Ronnie O’Sullivan in 2004 and Neil Robertson in 2010.
In the wake of his conviction and sentencing, World Snooker removed Dott’s name from its official Hall of Fame.
Case Background and Procedural Timeline
- First Victim: Targeted between 1993 and 1996; the female complainant is now in her 40s.
- Second Victim: Targeted between 2006 and 2010; the male complainant is now in his late 20s.
- Trial: A five-day trial concluded in August with a majority guilty verdict on two counts of lewd, indecent, and libidinous behaviour.
- Sentencing: Lord Harrower imposed a backdated seven-year prison sentence at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday.
- Professional Fallout: Dott’s name was removed from the World Snooker Hall of Fame following the conviction.