Who Is Graeme Dott? Former Snooker World Champion on Trial Over Child Sex Abuse Charges

Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott is on trial at the High Court in Glasgow over allegations of historic child sexual abuse involving two children. The 49-year-old Scottish player has pleaded not guilty to two charges of lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour. The allegations concern separate periods between 1993 and 1996 and between 2006 and 2010. Dott denies the allegations, and the case remains before a jury.

The trial began on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, before Lord Harrower. Prosecutors allege that Dott behaved inappropriately towards a girl during the first period and towards a boy during the second. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred in the Glasgow area, with some of the allegations involving locations in South Lanarkshire. The charges describe alleged conduct occurring on various occasions rather than a single incident.

Dott has denied both charges. His position is important because the allegations are accusations being tested through the criminal trial, not facts. The jury will hear evidence from the prosecution and defence before reaching a verdict. Dott is therefore entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until he is found guilty.

One of the alleged victims, a woman now in her 40s, gave evidence during the opening day of the trial. She told the court that the alleged abuse began when she was of primary-school age and described several incidents that she said occurred during her childhood. She gave evidence from behind a screen, a measure used in Scottish criminal proceedings where appropriate to protect witnesses.

The woman described an alleged incident involving a piggyback ride and said Dott touched her inappropriately over her clothing. She also described another alleged incident involving what she said was presented to her as a “guessing game”. Her evidence included allegations of inappropriate touching and exposure. These are allegations presented in court and have not been established as facts.

The second charge relates to a boy and covers allegations dating from 2006 to 2010. Prosecutors allege that the conduct occurred on various occasions while the boy was also of primary-school age. Details of that evidence are expected to form part of the prosecution case as the trial continues.

Who is Graeme Dott?

Dott is a professional snooker player from Scotland who built a career spanning more than three decades. He turned professional in 1994 and reached three World Championship finals, in 2004, 2006 and 2010. His biggest achievement came in 2006, when he defeated Peter Ebdon 18–14 in the final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield to become world champion.

His 2006 victory was Dott’s first ranking-event title. He later won the China Open in 2007, giving him two ranking titles. He also reached a career-high world ranking of No. 2 during the 2007–08 season. His other World Championship finals ended in defeat: Ronnie O’Sullivan beat him in 2004, while Neil Robertson defeated him in 2010.

Dott’s professional career continued after his world-title success, although he did not add another World Championship crown. His name remained associated with the professional circuit for years, including appearances at major tournaments and coaching involvement within the sport. The governing body for professional snooker announced in April 2025 that Dott had been suspended because of the criminal case scheduled before Scotland’s High Court.

The suspension was imposed while the legal proceedings were ongoing and was separate from any eventual criminal verdict. The governing body stated at the time that it would not make further comment while court proceedings continued.

The current trial is expected to last approximately four to five days, although the timetable can change depending on the evidence and proceedings. The court will examine testimony and other evidence before the jury considers whether the prosecution has proved the charges beyond the required legal standard.

For Dott, the case represents a major departure from the sporting career that made him a household name among snooker followers. For the court, however, the central question is narrower: whether the prosecution can prove the specific criminal charges brought against him.

Until the jury reaches its verdict, the allegations should be described as allegations. The outcome of the trial will determine whether Dott is convicted or acquitted of the charges.