Snooker player Graeme Dott goes on trial over child abuse allegations

Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott, 49, stood trial at Glasgow’s High Court on charges of lewd and libidinous behaviour involving two children – a girl and a boy – allegedly occurring between 1993 and 2010. The prosecution said the alleged incidents took place on various occasions at addresses in Glasgow’s east end, South Lanarkshire and also inside a vehicle. Dott, who captured the world title in 2006, has denied all accusations. Regarding the girl, the court heard claims that he inappropriately touched her, instructed her to remove her clothing and exposed himself. In the separate allegations concerning the boy, Dott is said to have made sexual remarks, entered a bath, watched him bathe and subsequently molested him. The female witness, now in her 40s, testified that the first incident occurred when she was either nine or ten years old at a house in Glasgow. She explained that she had been in a room with other youngsters when Dott entered. She stated she wanted to go downstairs and that Dott allegedly offered her a piggy‑back or a “coaksey”, which she accepted. She recalled: “He carried maine down the stairs and we got to the bottommost of the landing.” She continued: “There was a hallway model that looks retired onto the street. He stopped. He started caressing my backside with his hands.” The witness added that this took place while her legs were wrapped around him.