World

Former snooker world champion Graeme Dott convicted of child sex abuse

Al Jazeera · 2026-08-24

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Former snooker world champion Graeme Dott was convicted of sexually abusing two children in a Scottish court, with incidents occurring between 1993 and 2010. • Why it matters: The conviction highlights serious concerns regarding child safety and accountability for public figures, as Dott was a notable figure in the snooker community. • What to watch next: Sentencing for Dott is scheduled for next month, and the case may prompt further discussions on child protection measures in sports.

**Title: Former Snooker World Champion Graeme Dott Convicted of Child Sex Abuse**

**Glasgow, Scotland** – Graeme Dott, a former world champion snooker player, has been convicted of sexually abusing two children in a Scottish court. The verdict was reached on August 24, 2026, following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

Dott, who is 49 years old, faced multiple charges related to incidents that occurred several years ago. He was charged with two counts of “lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour” against a girl from 1993 to 1996, and against a boy from 2006 to 2010. The allegations against Dott included sexually assaulting the girl, exposing himself to her, and inducing her to touch him. In the case involving the boy, Dott was accused of making sexual remarks and touching the boy's genitals.

Despite Dott's denial of the charges, the jury found him guilty after deliberation. The court's decision has prompted a response from law enforcement, with Detective Inspector Gary Smillie from Police Scotland stating, “Dott is a dangerous individual, and I hope this conviction provides some measure of comfort to those impacted by his crimes.”

Dott's career in snooker has been notable, having won the world championship in 2006, where he triumphed over Peter Ebdon with a score of 18-14. He also reached the finals in 2004 and 2010, marking him as a significant figure in the sport. However, following the announcement of the charges last year, he was suspended by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association.

Sentencing for Dott is scheduled for next month, as the court prepares to address the implications of his conviction. The case has drawn attention not only due to Dott's status in the snooker community but also because of the serious nature of the offenses he has been found guilty of.

As the legal proceedings continue, the impact of this case reverberates through both the sporting world and the broader community, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding child safety and the accountability of public figures.

Source: Al Jazeera
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