Brief
Former snooker champion Graeme Dott jailed for seven years for child sexual abuse
The 49‑year‑old was convicted of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour after a five‑day trial in August, and the sentence was back‑dated to the date of conviction.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Former snooker world champion Graeme Dott was sentenced to seven years in prison on 29 September 2026 after a High Court hearing in Edinburgh confirmed his convictions for sexually abusing two primary‑school children. The 49‑year‑old was found guilty of two counts of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour following a five‑day trial in August.
Trial and conviction
The court heard that Dott abused a girl between 1993 and 1996 and a boy between 2006 and 2010. Victims testified that he exposed himself, touched them inappropriately and kissed them on multiple occasions. Dott denied the charges but was convicted by a majority verdict.
Sentencing remarks
Judge Lord Harrower told Dott that his actions had involved a “gross violation of trust” and that he had “robbed the complainers of a significant part of their childhood”. The judge imposed a back‑dated sentence of seven years, placing Dott on the sex offenders register and removing his name from World Snooker’s Hall of Fame.
Aftermath
Following the sentence, Dott’s name was struck from World Snooker’s Hall of Fame and he was added to the sex offenders register. Support services for victims were highlighted, including Childline and the NSPCC.
Key facts
- Graeme Dott was sentenced to seven years in prison (independent.co.uk)
- He was convicted of two counts of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour (independent.co.uk)
- The judge described his conduct as a gross violation of trust (theguardian.com)
- The sentence was back‑dated to the date of conviction (independent.co.uk)
Background
The case follows a pattern of high‑profile sexual abuse convictions involving public figures, including recent sentences for other celebrities such as Saad Lamjarred and Harvey Weinstein.
Why it matters
The conviction removes a former sporting hero from the sport’s Hall of Fame and highlights the ongoing scrutiny of sexual abuse allegations against public figures.
What happens next
Dott will serve his sentence in a Scottish prison; his case may prompt further investigations into other alleged abuses within the sport.
