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Graeme Dott, a former world snooker champion, has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment at the High Court in Edinburgh following his conviction on two counts of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour. The 49-year-old Scot was found guilty of sexually abusing two children, having denied the charges throughout proceedings that culminated in a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

Dott secured widespread recognition when he won the world snooker championship in 2006. His professional status and public prominence made his position of trust with the young victims all the more significant, as demonstrated during sentencing proceedings in which the presiding judge emphasised the gravity of the breach.

The abuse concerned two victims. The first, a girl who was approximately nine years old when the misconduct commenced, suffered abuse spanning the period from 1993 to 1996, during which Dott himself was aged between sixteen and seventeen. The second victim, a boy of around eight years old, was subjected to abuse commencing roughly a decade later, between 2006 and 2010. Both incidents occurred within the Glasgow region.

The nature of the abuse varied between victims but encompassed touching of an inappropriate and sexual nature, kissing, exposure of genitalia, unwanted sexual remarks, and conduct which the judiciary characterised as bearing similarities to rape. Dott employed tactical approaches to facilitate the abuse, including presenting misconduct as games and offering rewards to the victims. He further instructed both children that disclosing the abuse would prove futile, as they would not be believed.

In his judgment, Lord Harrower determined that Dott's conduct demonstrated 'the hallmarks of grooming' and constituted 'a gross violation of trust'. The judge emphasised that Dott had effectively 'robbed the complainers of a significant part of their childhood', with particular consideration given to evidence that both victims had displayed heightened vulnerability beyond their young ages. The abuse had inflicted lasting psychological consequences, including persistent feelings of fear, shame, and anger extending into adulthood and affecting the victims' mental wellbeing.

The sentence of seven years has been applied retrospectively from 24 August, the date upon which Dott was remanded in custody. He has been placed indefinitely on the sex offenders register. Notably, Dott displayed no apparent emotional response upon sentencing, merely nodding acknowledgement to someone in the public gallery as he was escorted from court. Throughout proceedings, he shook his head repeatedly whilst the judge addressed him directly.

Where outlets differ

Source 1 provides more graphic detail regarding the specific nature of the abuse itself, including described incidents and victim testimony; Source 2 emphasises the tactical methodology employed by Dott (use of treats, framing as games) and the psychological manipulation (threats of disbelief).

Source 2 includes substantially more courtroom context, including Dott's demeanour during proceedings (no emotion shown, head shaking), prison security concerns (threats and relocation), and formal statements from defence counsel and prosecution; Source 1 focuses more closely on the factual allegations.

Source 2 provides clearer detail on the sentencing rationale and judicial reasoning regarding remorse and risk assessment; Source 1 emphasises more the judge's direct condemnations and language around grooming and violation of trust.

Source 2 explicitly notes details of Dott's personal circumstances (separated, father-of-two, family support, mental health issues); Source 1 omits these biographical details entirely.

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