Former World Snooker Champion Graeme Dott has appeared in a Scottish court over allegations of historic child sexual abuse involving two primary school-age children.
The 47-year-old sportsman, who won the World Championship in 2006, faces two separate charges spanning incidents alleged to have occurred in the Glasgow area between 1993 and 1996 involving a girl, and from 2006 to 2010 involving a boy.
Dott appeared at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday and was released on bail, with a further hearing scheduled for 11 June. He has yet to enter a plea.
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) confirmed last week that Dott had been suspended from all snooker-related activities pending the outcome of legal proceedings.
A WPBSA spokesperson stated: “Graeme Dott has been suspended by the WPBSA due to a case which is scheduled to be heard before the High Court in Scotland. Whilst court proceedings are ongoing, it would be inappropriate for the WPBSA to make any further comment.”
Dott turned professional in 1994 and has remained a prominent figure on the World Snooker Tour. He clinched his world title by defeating Peter Ebdon at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in 2006.
He was also runner-up in the 2004 and 2010 finals, losing to Ronnie O’Sullivan and Neil Robertson respectively.
The court case has sent shockwaves through the snooker world, with many awaiting further developments as the proceedings unfold.
