Graeme Dott Removed from Snooker Hall of Fame After Child Abuse Conviction
World Snooker has removed former world champion Graeme Dott from its Hall of Fame with immediate effect following his conviction for child sexual abuse. The 49-year-old Glasgow native was found guilty on Monday of two counts of lewd, indecent, and libidinous behavior toward a girl and a boy between 1993 and 2010.
Dott’s removal represents a severance of ties by the sport’s governing bodies. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) confirmed it has permanently revoked Dott’s membership following a unanimous decision by its board during an emergency meeting.
Criminal Convictions and Court Testimony
A five-day trial detailed a pattern of abuse. The court heard that Dott exposed himself and inappropriately touched a primary school girl during the 1990s. The victim, now in her 40s, testified that the abuse left her shocked and scared, noting that Dott provided gifts during the period of the offenses.
The second victim, a man now in his 20s, testified that the abuse began when he was approximately eight years old. This occurred shortly after Dott won the world title in 2006. The victim stated he was abused in a car and a shower, and that Dott provided him with money, food, and drinks.
Legal proceedings highlighted a gap in the prosecution timeline. Police Scotland contacted Dott regarding the allegations in 2001, but no charges were filed at that time. The case progressed after the first victim provided a new statement in 2025. Det Insp Gary Smillie of Police Scotland characterized Dott as a dangerous individual during the proceedings.
The charges involved “lewd and libidinous practices,” a legal term referring to sexual crimes against children committed before December 1, 2010. While the offense was abolished in 2009, it remains applicable for crimes committed prior to that date.
Professional Fall from Grace and Ranking Impact
Dott was suspended from all professional snooker activities on April 9, 2025, pending the trial’s outcome.
Dott was relegated from the professional ranking list at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. This ended a professional career that began in 1994 and spanned over three decades.
The loss of professional status and Hall of Fame induction removes Dott from the elite tier of the sport’s history. His career peak included winning the 2006 World Championship and the 2007 China Open, with a career-high world ranking of number two. He also reached the World Championship final in 2004, where he lost to Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Institutional Response and Safeguarding
The WPBSA’s decision to revoke membership unanimously indicates an approach to the findings of the court. By stripping Dott of his Hall of Fame status, World Snooker removes him from the list of players credited with making an outstanding contribution to the sport.
Comparative Timeline of Events
The progression from allegation to expulsion followed a sequence of institutional actions:
- 2001: Initial police contact regarding allegations; no charges brought.
- April 9, 2025: WPBSA suspends Dott from all professional activities.
- 2025: First victim provides a new statement, triggering the trial.
- Monday: Court finds Dott guilty of two counts of child abuse; WPBSA permanently revokes membership and removes him from the Hall of Fame.
Dott had previously described the allegations against him as disgusting. He is scheduled to be sentenced next month.
The removal of a world champion from the Hall of Fame is a disciplinary action in snooker.