Former World Snooker Champion Graeme Dott has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of historical child sexual abuse involving two young victims.
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The 49-year-old was sentenced on September 29, 2026, at the High Court in Edinburgh by Lord Harrower, following a five-day trial at the High Court in Glasgow where a jury found him guilty of two counts of lewd, indecent, and libidinous behavior.
The charges stemmed from a series of incidents in the Glasgow area spanning across two separate decades. In addition to his custodial sentence, Dott has been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Details of the High Court Trial and Conviction
During the trial in Glasgow, the court heard testimony from both victims regarding the abuse. The first victim, a female now in her 40s, detailed multiple incidents of abuse that occurred while she was a primary school-aged child between 1993 and 1996. The second victim, a male now in his late 20s, gave evidence of recurring abuse that took place between 2006 and 2010.
The jury heard evidence that Dott exposed himself, engaged in inappropriate touching, and subjected both children to repeated acts of sexual misconduct.
Presiding judge Lord Harrower described Dott’s conduct as a “gross violation of trust,” noting during the sentencing hearing that the abuse involved penetrative sexual activity that would be classified as rape under modern legal definitions. Although Dott denied the allegations throughout proceedings, the jury returned a guilty verdict on both counts.
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Immediate Reaction from Governing Bodies and Removal from Hall of Fame
Following the jury’s guilty verdict in August 2026, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) took immediate disciplinary action. The board voted unanimously to terminate Dott’s WPBSA membership with immediate effect, permanently expelling him from professional competition.
Shortly after his membership was revoked, World Snooker officially stripped Dott of his honors, removing his name from the World Snooker Hall of Fame. The governing body released a statement reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that damages the integrity of the sport or involves illegal acts.
Key Timeline of Events:
• 1993–1996: First period of abuse against a primary school-aged female victim.
• 2006–2010: Second period of abuse against a primary school-aged male victim.
• August 2026: Jury finds Dott guilty at the High Court in Glasgow; WPBSA revokes membership.
• September 2026: Lord Harrower sentences Dott to 7 years imprisonment in Edinburgh.
Overview of Graeme Dott’s Professional Snooker Career
Graeme Dott turned professional in 1994 and rose through the ranks to become one of Scotland’s top snooker players. His career peak occurred in May 2006, when he won the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, defeating Peter Ebdon 18–14 in the final.
| Year | Achievement / Event | Result |
| 1994 | Turned Professional | Joined the Main Tour |
| 2004 | World Championship Finalist | Runner-up to Ronnie O’Sullivan |
| 2006 | World Championship Winner | Defeated Peter Ebdon 18–14 |
| 2007 | China Open Winner | Captured second ranking title |
| 2010 | World Championship Finalist | Runner-up to Neil Robertson |
| 2026 | Permanent Disqualification | WPBSA membership revoked; removed from Hall of Fame |
Dott also reached the World Championship finals on two other occasions, finishing as runner-up to Ronnie O’Sullivan in 2004 and to Neil Robertson in 2010. Over his 30-year career, he held a top-16 world ranking for several seasons before his conviction resulted in his permanent removal from the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What sentence was Graeme Dott given?
Graeme Dott was sentenced to seven years in prison by Lord Harrower at the High Court in Edinburgh. He was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
What were the specific charges against Graeme Dott?
Dott was found guilty of two counts of lewd, indecent, and libidinous behavior involving two children—a girl abused between 1993 and 1996, and a boy abused between 2006 and 2010.
Is Graeme Dott still allowed to play professional snooker?
No. Following his conviction, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) permanently revoked his membership, effectively banning him from professional play for life. His name was also removed from the World Snooker Hall of Fame.
Where did the trial and sentencing take place?
The trial was held at the High Court in Glasgow, where the jury returned a guilty verdict. The formal sentencing hearing took place at the High Court in Edinburgh.
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