Former Snooker Champion Graeme Dott Trial Begins Over Child Abuse Allegations

Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott has appeared in court as his trial on allegations of historic child sex abuse begins before Judge Lord Harrower, according to verified court reporting from the BBC.

Trial Opens With Testimony in Glasgow

The trial opened with testimony detailing multiple allegations from a female complainant regarding incidents spanning several years. According to BBC reporting, the witness alleged that Dott touched her over her clothes and suggested a guessing game at a residence in the Dennistoun area of Glasgow.

Detailed Allegations Presented by Prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel

Prosecuting the case, prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel questioned the witness during court proceedings about specific remarks made during the alleged encounters. The witness told the court that Dott allegedly asked if she wanted to play a guessing game before suggesting she remove her trousers, according to BBC coverage of the trial.

Additional testimony detailed further alleged acts, including Dott lifting her top and kissing her belly. The witness stated under questioning that the alleged abuse occurred on multiple occasions, according to the BBC report.

Complainant Recalls Silence and Years of Secrecy

When asked by Dalziel whether she had told anyone about the allegations at the time, the witness stated: No. Graeme told me not to, as reported by the BBC.

Police Contact Follows Years After Confiding in Teacher

The witness told the court that she eventually confided in a friend years later without going into full details, before speaking with a teacher prior to meeting with police in January 2001. Officers later visited her home in 2024 to pursue the matter further, according to the court testimony reported by the BBC.

When questioned by prosecutor Dalziel about whether she had instigated the police contact in 2024, the witness replied: No, I was in complete shock, according to BBC coverage.

The legal proceedings before Judge Lord Harrower remain ongoing in Scotland as prosecutors continue presenting evidence in the case against the former snooker champion.