Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott is set to stand trial next year over allegations of child sexual abuse. The 48-year-old sportsman faces two charges involving primary school-aged children, accusations which he firmly denies.
The charges span two separate periods. The first concerns allegations involving a girl between 1993 and 1996, while the second involves a boy between 2006 and 2010. Both incidents are alleged to have taken place in the Glasgow area.
During a recent virtual hearing at the High Court in Glasgow, Dott was not present, but his legal team entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf. His defence maintains that the claims are entirely false and insists there is no truth to any of the allegations. Bail was continued, allowing Dott to remain at liberty until the trial date.
The court confirmed that proceedings are scheduled to begin on 17 August next year, also at the High Court in Glasgow. The trial is expected to draw significant attention given Dott’s profile in the sporting world and the seriousness of the allegations.
Graeme Dott is best known for his achievements in professional snooker. He reached the pinnacle of the sport in 2006 when he won the World Snooker Championship, defeating Peter Ebdon in a hard-fought final. His career also saw two runner-up finishes at the Crucible Theatre, in 2004 against Ronnie O’Sullivan and in 2010 against Neil Robertson. Dott was renowned for his gritty playing style and mental resilience on the table, often competing successfully against the sport’s biggest names.
However, these legal proceedings have placed a shadow over his career and public image. While some supporters have expressed hope for his acquittal, others have voiced concern over the serious nature of the charges. Legal experts note that the upcoming trial will involve sensitive testimony, and the court will take measures to protect the anonymity and welfare of the alleged victims.
Until the trial concludes, Dott remains presumed innocent under UK law. The case will be closely monitored by both the sports community and the wider public as it unfolds in the coming year.
If convicted, the potential consequences could be severe, impacting not only his freedom but also his legacy within professional snooker. The forthcoming trial will be a pivotal moment in determining both the legal outcome and the public’s perception of the former world champion.
