Key Points
- Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott has appeared before the High Court in Glasgow as the jury retired to consider its verdict.The 49-year-old faces two charges of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour involving two primary school-aged children.The alleged offences date from 1993 to 1996 and involve a girl in the Glasgow area, while separate allegations involving a boy in South Lanarkshire cover 2006 to 2010.Dott denies all allegations. In evidence, he said there was “absolutely no way” he had abused any children.Prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel argued that Dott targeted vulnerable children for his own gratification, using his position and opportunity.The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) previously suspended Dott from professional play pending the outcome of the judicial proceedings.
Glasgow (Glasgow Express) August 24, 2026 – Former uk/world/">world snooker champion Graeme Dott has appeared at the High Court in Glasgow as the jury was sent out to deliberate its verdict in his trial regarding historic child sexual abuse allegations. The 49-year-old sportsman, who won the World Snooker Championship in 2006, faces two distinct charges of lewd, indecent, and libidinous practices and behaviour directed towards two children.
The trial, presided over by Lord Harrower, has heard extensive testimony over several days regarding events alleged to have taken place over a span of seventeen years.
The first charge relates to allegations involving a girl between 1993 and 1996 in the Glasgow area, while the second charge concerns alleged incidents involving a boy between 2006 and 2010 in South Lanarkshire. Dott formally entered pleas of not guilty to both charges prior to the commencement of the trial.
What evidence was presented during the High Court proceedings?
During the course of the trial, prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel presented testimony from both complainers, who gave evidence regarding the nature of the alleged abuse.
As reported by Sky Sports, the female witness, who is now in her 40s, told the court that the alleged abuse began when she was in primary school. She testified from behind a protective screen that Dott had caressed her bottom over her clothing after offering her a piggy-back ride.
As documented by Jenness Mitchell of Sky News, the witness further alleged that Dott engaged her in a “guessing game” where her clothing was moved and she was touched with various body parts, including his penis, while her eyes were closed. She added that she had struggled for many years to tell anyone about the events due to her age.
The court also heard evidence from the second witness, a man now in his late 20s. As reported by Jenness Mitchell of Sky News, the male complainer stated that the alleged abuse occurred on various occasions when Dott was at the peak of his career following his 2006 World Championship victory. He testified that incidents occurred in a shower and inside a vehicle.
The witness told the court that Dott had used snacks, drinks, and money as part of a “reward strategy” and described Dott’s demeanour during the events as demanding compliance.
How did the defence address the prosecution’s allegations?
Defence advocate Euan Dow rigorously cross-examined the prosecution witnesses and presented Dott’s formal defence.
As reported by Sky Sports, Mr Dow put it to the female witness that she had failed to detail the full extent of the claims when speaking to relatives in past years, and raised questions regarding whether she had ever suggested making financial gains through media exposure—a claim the witness denied under oath.
During the cross-examination of the male witness, Mr Dow challenged inconsistencies in earlier statements provided to police officers in October 2024.
Taking the witness stand in his own defence, Graeme Dott categorically rejected every charge. As reported by the PA News Agency, Dott testified that there was “absolutely no way” he had engaged in any sexual abuse. Under cross-examination by Ms Dalziel, Dott described the assertions as “lies” and maintained that he had never been inappropriate with either individual.
In his closing address to the jury, Mr Dow stated that the evidence contained substantial flaws and urged the jurors not to find either complainer credible or reliable, submitting that his client should be cleared of both charges. Conversely, Ms Dalziel argued in her closing speech that Dott had subjected vulnerable children to abuse by exploiting opportunities for personal gratification, asking the jury to return guilty verdicts.
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Background of the particular development
Graeme Dott initially established his profile within professional snooker after turning professional in 1994. His career pinnacle occurred in May 2006 when he secured the World Snooker Championship title at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, defeating Peter Ebdon 18–14 in the final. He subsequently reached a career-high world ranking of number two and reached a further World Championship final in 2010.
The legal proceedings came to light publicly in April 2025 when Police Scotland formally charged Dott, leading to his initial court appearance at the High Court in Glasgow where he was released on bail conditions. Following the initiation of formal criminal charges, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) enacted an immediate administrative suspension.
In a public statement released in April 2025, the WPBSA confirmed:
“Graeme Dott has been suspended by the WPBSA due to a case which is scheduled to be heard before the High Court in Scotland. Whilst court proceedings are ongoing, it would be inappropriate for the WPBSA to make any further comment”.
As a consequence of the suspension and his subsequent inability to participate in ranking events, Dott fell outside the top 64 of the world rankings and lost his professional tour card at the conclusion of the 2025–26 season.
Prediction: How this development can affect the snooker community and sports governance
The outcome of this High Court trial carries significant implications for professional snooker, sports governing bodies, and the wider sporting public:
- Impact on Snooker’s Governing Bodies: Regardless of the jury’s final verdict, the trial highlights the operational protocols required by sports governing bodies like the WPBSA when dealing with historic abuse allegations involving active or former professionals. It reinforces the necessity for rigorous safeguarding frameworks, stringent background verification, and clear procedures regarding player suspensions during ongoing criminal proceedings.
- Impact on the Public and Fans: For followers of snooker, the proceedings mark a major rupture in the legacy of a former world champion. Public trust in historical sporting figures can be heavily tested during high-profile criminal trials involving serious charges, leading to heightened scrutiny over how past sporting eras are remembered and archived.
- Impact on Safeguarding and Reporting in Sport: The prominence of this case may encourage other individuals within sporting environments to come forward regarding historical or contemporary misconduct. It underlines the crucial role played by modern legal and sporting structures in providing avenues for complaints to be investigated thoroughly through formal judicial systems.
