Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing two primary school-age children. The 47-year-old, who won the World Snooker Championship in 2006, was convicted following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow. The court heard that Dott subjected the young victims to the worst kind of abuse over a prolonged period. During the trial, a woman struggled to speak about the alleged abuse, and Dott maintained his innocence, telling the court there was 'absolutely no way' he abused children. The sentencing marks a dramatic fall from grace for one of snooker’s most prominent figures.

The case has sent shockwaves through the snooker community, with fellow players and officials expressing horror and disappointment. Dott’s legacy as a former world champion is now overshadowed by his criminal conviction. The court emphasized the severity of the offenses and the need for a lengthy sentence to reflect the harm caused. Dott will serve his term in a Scottish prison, and the case has prompted calls for stronger safeguarding measures within the sport.