Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott sentenced to 7 years in prison for sexual abuse

Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott was sentenced to seven years in prison for past sexual abuse offenses against two children.

Dott, 49, was convicted of two separate crimes last month, although he denied the charges.

The charges against Dott covered acts against a girl in Glasgow between 1993 and 1996, and a boy in South Lanarkshire between 2006 and 2010.

In the case heard at the Glasgow High Court, the jury found Dott guilty last month of "obscene, inappropriate and sexual behavior" towards two children.

Dott's sentence was announced at the Edinburgh High Court.

Judge Lord Harrower stated that Dott had "robbed the victims of a significant part of their childhood" and said that his behavior bore the classic characteristics of "grooming", based on exploiting children by gaining their trust.

Dott was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

During the trial, the jury heard testimony that Dott sexually abused both victims repeatedly during their childhood.

The female victim, who is in her 40s today, said that the abuse started when she was in primary school and that Dott behaved sexually towards her at different times.

The male victim, who is in his late 20s, said Dott abused him by touching him inappropriately and engaging in sexual behavior at various times. He stated that some of the abuse took place during the shower.

Both victims said Dott gave them various gifts during the period of abuse.

Dott maintained throughout the trial that he had committed no inappropriate behavior towards children and described the accusations as “disgusting”.

Defense lawyer Euan Dow also stated that his client maintains his innocence and said that both his personal and professional reputation was damaged after the case.

The court was also informed that Dott received threats in prison and was transferred to another section for his safety.

The Scottish athlete, who started his professional career in 1994, achieved the biggest success of his career by winning the 2006 World Snooker Championship.

Dott's name was also removed from the World Snooker Hall of Fame following his conviction.