Graeme Dott found guilty of sexually abusing two children in Glasgow

In May 2006, Graeme Dott reached the pinnacle of professional snooker, defeating Peter Ebdon at the Crucible in Sheffield to become the World Snooker Champion. However, the High Court in Glasgow has found that shortly after this career-defining victory, the now 49-year-old began targeting his second victim.

On Monday, August 24, Dott was found guilty of two counts of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour. The court heard that Dott used his position and wealth to prey on two primary school-age children in the Glasgow area over two separate periods: a girl between 1993 and 1996, and a boy between 2006 and 2010.

Related YouTube video

The verdicts followed a five-day trial that began on August 18. Upon hearing the guilty verdicts, Dott appeared to be sobbing in the dock and held his head in his hands. He was subsequently remanded in custody by Lord Harrower and led away to the cells in handcuffs.

The first victim, a woman now in her 40s, testified that the abuse began when she was nine or ten years old at a house in the city's East End. She described how Dott offered her a "piggy-back" or "coaksey" to carry her downstairs, at which point he began "caressing" her backside. These incidents occurred approximately seven times.

The woman further detailed a "guessing game" Dott suggested, which resulted in her being told to remove her trousers while Dott lifted her top and kissed her stomach. She testified that Dott exposed himself and touched her with his penis, and carried out a sexual act that, if committed today, would amount to rape. To ensure her silence, Dott told her not to tell anyone. The woman recalled a specific "smell" from Dott due to creams he used for a skin condition, and noted that he once bought her a teddy bear with a love heart during the period of abuse.

The second victim, a man now in his late 20s, described a pattern of abuse that began when he was around eight years old. He detailed "shower incidents" at a house in Lanarkshire where Dott would enter the shower partly or completely undressed to wash him, touching him in inappropriate places. The man testified that Dott was "clearly getting sexual gratification" and was "pleasuring himself" during these acts.

Court evidence revealed that Dott employed a "reward strategy" to maintain compliance, using his wealth to buy the child Thai chilli crisps and Irn Bru—items the man reports he can no longer eat to this day. In one instance, Dott gave the boy a £50 note, only to later accuse the child of stealing it when the boy's parents discovered the money.

The man also described abuse occurring in a parked car "out of the public eye" approximately five times, where Dott would kiss his lips, face, and head while pushing himself against him. He further testified to inappropriate behavior while Dott played online poker. The man stated that scents of Dove soap, which Dott used for a skin condition, now trigger PTSD "flashbacks."

The timeline of these crimes suggests a persistent pattern that survived early legal scrutiny. According to STV News, Dott was first investigated by police in 2001, but no charges were brought at that time.

Throughout the trial, Dott maintained an absolute denial of all claims. Under cross-examination by prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel, Dott called the allegation that he was attracted to the first victim "disgusting" and characterized the claims as "lies" and "nonsense." Regarding the second victim, Dott insisted he was "never in my company."

The Crown's case, as presented by Ms Dalziel, was that Dott subjected vulnerable children to the worst kind of abuse with a course of conduct which relied on opportunity, for his own gratification.

The professional consequences for Dott preceded the verdict; he was suspended by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association after charges were announced last year. Detective Inspector Gary Smillie of Police Scotland described Dott as a dangerous individual following the conviction.

Following the verdict, Dott is required to add his name and address to the sex offenders' register. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the High Court in Edinburgh on September 29 for sentencing.

Trial Details and Career Contrast

Evidence presented at the High Court in Glasgow showed that Dott had already been the subject of a police investigation in 2001, though no charges were brought at that time, according to STV News.

The court also heard about Dott's attempts to isolate the children during the abuse. In the case of the first victim, Dott became quite angry when another youngster walked into the room. The second victim testified that Dott would raise his voice to ensure he complied.

Dott, a resident of the city's Dennistoun, faced a fresh investigation in 2024 before his suspension by the governing body. His defense lawyer, Euan Dow, did not move for Dott's bail to be continued following the verdict. According to the Scottish Daily Express, Dott now faces a lengthy jail term.

The legal process now shifts toward the impact on the survivors. Prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel informed the court that the woman has already written a victim impact statement for Lord Harrower to review, though it remains unknown if the man will do the same. The next step is Dott's appearance before the High Court in Edinburgh on September 29 for sentencing.