Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott appears in court ahead of sex‑abuse trial.

Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott appears in court ahead of sex‑abuse trial.

 

Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott has appeared in court as he prepares to face a trial on historic child‑sex‑abuse charges.

The 48‑year‑old Scot, who captured the premier title in 2006, is accused of two separate counts relating to primary‑school‑age children in the Glasgow and Lanarkshire area: one alleged incident involving a girl took place between 1993 and 1996, and another involving a boy is said to have occurred between 2006 and 2010.

Court appearance

Dott attended a hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh on Friday, where the focus was on an application to amend his bail conditions.

His lawyer, Mr Euan Dow, told Judge Lord Harrower that one of the existing bail restrictions — which prevented Dott from entering the street where his family home is located — was the result of an “administrative oversight”. The judge agreed to amend that condition and allow Dott access to his matrimonial home.

During the brief hearing, Dott did not address the court. He was seen wearing a red puffer jacket, blue jeans and checked shirt.

He remains on bail ahead of the trial, which is scheduled for 17 August 2026.

Allegations & plea

The charges against Dott are of a historic nature. In the case of the girl, the allegation is that the abuse occurred when she was around 10 years old between 1993–96. For the boy, the alleged offences date from 2006–10 when he was young.

Dott has pleaded not guilty to both charges. His defence states that the allegations are “fabricated” and “there is no truth in any of them”.

Sporting and professional consequences

Following the charges, Dott was suspended from competition by the governing body of snooker, the World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association (WPBSA).

His suspension and the nature of the allegations have significant implications for his career and for the wider sport.

Why this matters

Dott was once a top figure in professional snooker, winning the World Championship in 2006 and reaching the final in 2004 and 2010.

The allegations are “historical”, meaning they relate to events many years ago, which can make evidence and witness recollection more challenging.

The case raises issues of safeguarding and the responsibility of sporting institutions when serious allegations emerge against high‑profile individuals.

For the sport’s fans and community, the case may influence perceptions of integrity, trust and governance within snooker.

What next

The pre‑trial process will continue in the coming months, with the full trial currently scheduled for 17 August 2026.

Both prosecution and defence will prepare statements and evidence for the case, including witness testimony and other material.

Dott will remain on bail under altered conditions, and the WPBSA may continue disciplinary or regulatory review during the legal proceedings.

It’s important to note that, under law, Dott is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.