The former world snooker champion Graeme Dott, 49, has gone on trial at the High Court in Glasgow accused of a series of historical offences involving two children. He has entered a plea of not guilty to charges described in court as lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour.
Allegations span two decades and two complainants
Prosecutors say the alleged offending involves separate complainants and covers two distinct time periods. The prosecution alleges conduct towards a girl between 1993 and 1996, and separate allegations involving a boy between 2006 and 2010. The indictments state the acts occurred on "various occasions" and are said to have included inappropriate touching and molestation.
Jurors in Glasgow have been given accounts from one female complainant, now in her 40s, who said she was of primary school age when the alleged abuse began. In her evidence, she described several incidents she says occurred while in Dott's presence or care, including an episode she described as a piggyback ride during which she said Dott "caress[ed]" her over clothing.
"I remember it was odd to me. I think he said 'does that feel nice' or something. I can't really recall," the witness told the court.
The witness also described what she referred to as a "guessing game", saying she was asked to guess what had been done to her. She said on more than one occasion that Dott removed her trousers, lifted her top and kissed her stomach during such an incident. She told the court she was shocked and frightened by another alleged episode in which she says he exposed himself and induced her to briefly engage in a sex act.
Locations and context given to jurors
According to the charges, the incidents involving the female complainant took place in the Glasgow region. The allegations relating to the male complainant are said to have occurred at a property and inside a car in South Lanarkshire. No conviction has been recorded — the trial is ongoing and Dott has pleaded not guilty.
The case has been opened to a jury in the High Court. As with all criminal proceedings, the allegations are to be tested through witness evidence, cross-examination and legal argument, and the defendant is to be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
- Defendant: Graeme Dott, aged 49, former world snooker champion
- Charges: lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour involving two children
- Alleged timeframes: girl – 1993–1996; boy – 2006–2010
- Locations alleged: Glasgow region; South Lanarkshire (property and car)
Court reporting of sexual offences involving children carries warnings about sensitive and upsetting material. The Crown presented the evidence in a neutral factual manner to the jury, and the witness accounts heard so far include detailed recollections of events from childhood.
Wider implications and legal process
The trial places a former high-profile sports figure under intense scrutiny and will be followed closely by the snooker community and the wider public. High Court proceedings of this nature proceed with careful judicial management, including directions to jurors on how to treat evidence and on the legal thresholds required for conviction.
At this stage the court record contains allegations, witness testimony and the defendant's plea of not guilty. The criminal justice process will determine the outcome once the prosecution and defence have presented their cases and the jury has had the opportunity to reach a verdict.
Reporting restrictions and judicial guidance aim to protect the integrity of the trial and the privacy of complainers, particularly where they were children at the time of the alleged offences. The case will continue to unfold in court and further evidence is expected to be heard in the coming days.
