Graeme Dott, the 48-year-old former world snooker champion from Scotland, is set to face trial in August 2026 over allegations of historical child sexual abuse involving two children in the Glasgow region. The case, which has sent shockwaves through the snooker community and beyond, centers on accusations that span a period of nearly two decades—between 1993 and 1996 involving a girl, and from 2006 to 2010 involving a boy. Both alleged victims were of primary school age at the time of the purported offenses.
The allegations against Dott are grave and detailed. According to BBC News and Sky News, the charges include claims that Dott behaved in a sexually inappropriate manner towards the girl by inappropriately touching her, instructing her to undress, and exposing himself. With respect to the boy, the accusations entail molestation, making sexual remarks, and watching him while he showered. The incidents are alleged to have occurred on various occasions at addresses in the east end of Glasgow, in South Lanarkshire, and even in a car, as reported by BBC News.
The case was brought before the High Court in Glasgow during a virtual hearing on August 14, 2025. Dott was not present for the proceedings, but his lawyer, Euan Dow, made his client’s position clear. Quoting from The Independent and Associated Press, Dow stated, “He pleads not guilty to two charges on the indictment. The position of the accused is that the allegations are fabricated and there is no truth in any of them.” This categorical denial has been consistent across all public statements from Dott’s legal team.
During the hearing, it was revealed that at least one defense witness has been listed, with the possibility of more being added as the trial approaches. Lord Mulholland, presiding over the case, confirmed that the trial is scheduled to commence on August 17, 2026, and is expected to last five days. Dott remains on bail, a status that has been continued since the initial charges were made public earlier this year.
The timeline and nature of the allegations have drawn particular attention due to Dott’s high profile in the world of snooker. Having turned professional in 1994, Dott quickly established himself as a regular presence on the World Snooker Tour. His crowning achievement came in 2006, when he defeated Peter Ebdon to win the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield—a victory that remains one of the highlights of his career. He also reached the finals in 2004, losing to Ronnie O’Sullivan, and in 2010, when he was beaten by Neil Robertson, according to Sky News and the Associated Press.
The impact of the allegations has been immediate and far-reaching. Earlier in 2025, upon the charges becoming public, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) took the step of suspending Dott from all professional activities. This decision was confirmed by multiple outlets, including NationalWorld and AP, and marks a significant fall from grace for a player who, until recently, was regarded as one of the sport’s most respected figures.
Notably, the case has also brought renewed attention to the issue of safeguarding in professional sports. The snooker community, like many others, has faced questions about how allegations of this nature are handled and the processes in place to protect both children and the integrity of the sport. While the WPBSA’s decision to suspend Dott pending the outcome of the trial has been widely reported, it also highlights the challenges governing bodies face in balancing due process with the need to uphold public trust.
Dott’s personal life has also come under scrutiny in the wake of these allegations. As reported by NationalWorld, he is married and has two children, one born in 2004 and the other in 2008—details that underscore the deeply personal and potentially far-reaching consequences of the case, both for Dott and his family.
Media coverage of the case has been extensive, with major outlets such as BBC News, Sky News, The Independent, and the Associated Press providing detailed accounts of the charges, the legal proceedings, and the reactions from the snooker world. The reporting has also emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, with several outlets including warnings about the distressing nature of the details involved and directing readers to support resources if needed.
Public reaction has been mixed, with some expressing shock and disappointment, while others urge caution and emphasize the importance of allowing the legal process to run its course. The presumption of innocence until proven guilty remains a cornerstone of the justice system, and Dott’s legal team has been vocal in asserting his denial of all charges. As Euan Dow reiterated during the hearing, “The position of the accused is that the allegations are fabricated and there is no truth in any of them.”
Looking ahead, the trial scheduled for August 2026 is expected to draw significant attention, both from within the snooker community and the wider public. The case raises complex questions about the handling of historical abuse allegations, the responsibilities of sporting bodies, and the broader societal challenge of addressing and preventing child sexual abuse.
For now, Dott’s future—both professionally and personally—remains uncertain. His suspension from the sport he has dedicated his life to, combined with the gravity of the charges he faces, marks a dramatic and troubling chapter in the life of one of snooker’s most prominent figures. As the legal process unfolds, all eyes will be on the Glasgow High Court next August, where the facts of the case will be examined in detail and a verdict will ultimately be reached.
The coming year will be a period of intense scrutiny and anticipation, not just for Graeme Dott and those directly involved, but for the entire sporting world, which continues to grapple with the challenge of safeguarding and accountability. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions, whatever the verdict may be.
