GLASGOW — Graeme Dott was convicted of two counts of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour towards a girl and a boy at the High Court in Glasgow on August 24, 2026. The conviction relates to the sexual abuse of two primary school children in Scotland.

The abuse of the female victim occurred between 1993 and 1996. A female victim, now in her 40s, testified that Dott sexually abused her on multiple occasions. She stated that he caressed her bottom over her clothing and exposed himself to her. The witness further testified that he touched her with parts of his body including his penis and told her not to tell anyone about the abuse.

The abuse of the male victim occurred between 2006 and 2010. A male victim, now in his late 20s, testified that Dott abused him on multiple occasions. The witness stated that the defendant touched him inappropriately and kissed him.

He testified that Dott performed sexual acts on him. Much of the abuse took place while he was in a shower, where the defendant would come in partly or completely undressed. The witness said Dott would put soap on his body and wash him. In a car, the defendant kissed him on the face, head and lips and pushed himself up against him.

Prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel stated during closing speech that Dott subjected vulnerable children to abuse for his own gratification. Detective Inspector Gary Smillie from Police Scotland stated that Dott is a dangerous individual following the verdict.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 29, 2026. The sentencing hearing will take place at the High Court in Edinburgh. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association suspended Dott in April 2025 after he was charged.

At the time of his suspension, Dott was ranked number 56 in the world. Following an emergency board meeting, the organization revoked Dott's membership. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association wrote to the World Snooker Tour to request Dott's immediate removal from the WST Hall of Fame.

Why It Matters

The conviction ends the competitive career of a former world champion who won the World Snooker Championship in 2006. Dott defeated Peter Ebdon 18-14 in the 2006 World Snooker Championship final. He was also the runner-up in the World Snooker Championship in 2004 and 2010.

The World Snooker Championship is an annual professional snooker ranking tournament. Police Scotland is the national police force of Scotland, United Kingdom.

Timeline

In 2006, Dott won the World Snooker Championship. On April 1, 2025, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association suspended Dott after he was charged.

On August 18, 2026, the trial began. On August 24, 2026, Dott was convicted of two counts of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour towards a girl and a boy. On that same date, Dott was ordered to be held in custody ahead of sentencing. Also on August 24, 2026, Dott must register his name and address with the police to be added to the sex offenders register. The verdicts were reached by majority on August 24, 2026.

What's New

Detective Inspector Gary Smillie from Police Scotland stated that Dott is a dangerous individual. Dott testified that there was "absolutely no way" he sexually abused two children. He testified that the idea he was attracted to the girl when she was young was "disgusting".

The defendant testified that the allegation he touched the first victim and told her what to do was "lies". Dott testified that the second victim was "never in my company". Records show Dott was the runner-up in the World Snooker Championship in 2004 and 2010.