Championship Fall From Grace
Former World Snooker Champion Graeme Dott Convicted of Historic Child Abuse
Key Points
One of Dott's victims testified she was subjected to acts described as caressing her bottom over clothing during a piggyback ride, and that Dott proposed a 'guessing game' before exposing himself; she said he told her not to tell anyone.
The second victim, now in his late 20s, told the court that many abuse episodes occurred in the shower, with Dott entering the shower partly or fully undressed, applying soap, washing him, and touching him inappropriately while Dott was reportedly 'pleasuring himself'.
There was also testimony about abuse occurring in a car, where Dott kissed the boy on the face, head and lips and pushed himself up against him.
Dott's peak in snooker is noted: he won the 2006 World Snooker Championship, defeating Peter Ebdon 18-14 in the final, and was runner-up in 2004 and again in 2010.
The indictment also alleged Dott made sexual remarks to the boy and touched his genitals, in addition to the girl's account of exposure and inappropriate contact.
Graeme Dott, the former world snooker champion, has been convicted of sexually abusing two children over a 17-year span, according to Al Jazeera. The 49-year-old faced charges of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour for abuse occurring from 1993-1996 involving a girl and from 2006-2010 involving a boy. A five-day High Court trial in Glasgow concluded with guilty verdicts, and Daily Record reports he faces sentencing next month.
Dott's fall from grace is dramatic. He won the 2006 World Snooker Championship, defeating Peter Ebdon 18-14 in the final. He was runner-up in 2004 and 2010. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association has suspended him following the charges, Three FM reports.
Abuse Details From Two Victims
The first victim testified she was touched inappropriately during a piggyback ride and that Dott exposed himself to her. He proposed a "guessing game" before the exposure and told her not to tell anyone. The second victim, now in his late 20s, described repeated abuse in the shower. Dott would enter partly or fully undressed and touch him inappropriately while pleasuring himself, court testimony revealed.
Additional abuse occurred in a car, where Dott kissed the boy on the face, head and lips and pushed himself against him, Yahoo News reports. The indictment alleged Dott made sexual remarks to the boy and touched his genitals. Both victims described coercive behaviour and being told to keep the abuse secret.
Peak Achievement and Career Success
Dott reached snooker's highest level in 2006 when he defeated Peter Ebdon 18-14 to win the World Snooker Championship. This was the pinnacle of his career. He returned to the world championship final twice more—in 2004 and again in 2010—but finished as runner-up both times. His dominance in the sport made the conviction all the more shocking to fans and the snooker community.
At age 49, Dott now faces a complete reversal of his status in professional snooker. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association suspended him following the charges. His conviction represents one of sport's most dramatic falls from celebrated champion to convicted criminal.
Police Call Dott a Dangerous Individual
Following the conviction, Police Detective Inspector Gary Smillie described Dott as a "dangerous individual," Yahoo News reports. Smillie praised the bravery of Dott's victims for coming forward and testifying during the trial. The police statement emphasised the severity of the crimes and the courage required for victims to speak publicly about abuse.
The trial lasted five days and concluded with guilty verdicts on both counts. Chronicle reports that the case involved alleged abuse spanning more than two decades. Sentencing is scheduled for next month, when the court will determine Dott's prison sentence for the historic crimes.
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