Former professional snooker world champion Graeme Dott was found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow of the historical sexual abuse of two minors, according to court reports and Police Scotland records. A jury convicted the 49-year-old Scottish player on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, on two charges covering separate periods between 1993 and 2010. Both victims were of primary school age at the time of the offenses, according to trial testimony.
High Court Trial and Guilty Verdict in Glasgow
The trial concluded after five days of proceedings before the High Court in Glasgow. Court records show that Dott faced two distinct charges involving unchaste, indecent, and libidinous behavior toward two children. The first charge detailed offenses against a young girl between 1993 and 1996, while the second charge addressed abuse against a young boy between 2006 and 2010. Both complainants were approximately ten years old when the incidents occurred, according to court evidence.
Throughout the cross-examination led by prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel, Dott denied all allegations, maintaining his innocence and describing the claims as fabrications. The jury rejected the defense arguments and returned unanimous guilty verdicts on both counts on the afternoon of Monday, Aug. 24, 2026. Following the verdict, the presiding judge ordered Dott into immediate custody.
Victim Testimony Details Systematic Manipulation
Both complainants gave detailed testimony regarding the methods Dott used to carry out and conceal the abuse. The female complainant, now in her forties, stated that the abuse began when she was a child in the Glasgow area. She told the court that Dott initially touched her inappropriately over her clothing while carrying her on his back, and later escalated the abuse by proposing a game, exposing himself, and touching her with his body parts, including his penis. She testified that Dott ordered her never to disclose the actions to anyone.
Police Scotland records indicate that the female victim first contacted authorities in 2001, though formal charges were not brought forward at that time. Her case was reopened after the second victim came forward in 2024 to lodge a complaint, prompting investigators to re-interview the first complainant. The male victim, now in his late twenties, testified that Dott repeatedly assaulted him between 2006 and 2010. He described incidents where Dott entered the shower unclad, applied soap to his body, and touched him inappropriately. He also stated that Dott provided incentives including snacks, beverages, and money, and subjected him to further abuse inside a parked vehicle.
Police Statement and Sports Governing Body Response
Detective Inspector Gary Smillie of Police Scotland addressed the outcome outside the court, describing Dott as a dangerous individual. In statements provided to reporters, Smillie expressed hope that the conviction would bring a measure of comfort to those affected by the crimes.
The sports governing body took swift administrative action following the legal proceedings. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) suspended Dott from professional competition in 2025 after formal charges were filed against him. Dott had maintained a 26-year career on the professional tour, reaching his career pinnacle in 2006 by winning the World Snooker Championship against Peter Ebdon at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, alongside two runner-up finishes at the tournament.
Upcoming Sentencing Details and Judicial Timeline
Following his remand into custody after the trial concluded in Glasgow, Dott’s legal team and the court system set a date for sentencing. The High Court in Edinburgh scheduled the formal sentencing hearing for Sept. 29, 2026, where the judge will determine the prison term for the former world champion.
