Graeme Dott Remanded in Custody Following Conviction for Historic Sex Offences
A trial that has sent shockwaves through the sporting community has concluded, with the court hearing harrowing details of how a former world champion used manipulation and gifts to facilitate the abuse of children.
The accused, Graeme Dott, was taken into custody this week after being found guilty of multiple counts of abuse spanning several years. During the proceedings, the court heard testimony from a male survivor who described being molested by Dott when he was just eight years old.
A Pattern of Manipulation
The survivor, now a man in his 20s, recounted a series of disturbing incidents that began shortly after Dott secured his victory at the World Snooker Championship at The Crucible in 2006. The man described being abused in various settings, including at a home in South Lanarkshire and inside a vehicle.
Further testimony revealed a dark pattern of psychological manipulation. The victim described how Dott would “reward” him with snacks, such as crisps and fizzy drinks, to gain his compliance. In one particularly cruel instance, Dott allegedly handed the young boy a £50 note, only to turn around and accuse the child of stealing the money once his parents discovered it.
The victim also testified that Dott would frequently engage in inappropriate contact while distracted by online poker.
A History of Allegations
The court was informed that this was not the first time Dott had faced scrutiny. Police had previously investigated allegations against him as early as 2001; however, on that occasion, no charges were brought against him. The case was ultimately brought to a successful prosecution after the survivor provided a new, comprehensive statement to authorities in 2025.
During the trial, Dott maintained his innocence, claiming the allegations were entirely false and insisting that he had “never acted inappropriately with anyone.” His defense was ultimately rejected by the jury.
Sentencing Imminent
Beyond the testimony of the male survivor, the court also heard details regarding a female victim, including an account of how Dott had gifted her a teddy bear featuring a love heart during the period of abuse.
Presiding over the case, Lord Harrower confirmed that he has received a victim impact statement from the woman, which will be carefully considered before a final sentence is handed down.
Following the verdict, Dott was remanded into custody. He is expected to return to court for sentencing next month. This high-profile conviction marks a definitive conclusion to a long-standing legal saga that has brought the dark reality of his past actions to light.
