Former snooker world champion, Graeme Dott, has been suspended from the sport just days before the prestigious Crucible tournament, following serious allegations of child sexual abuse.
The 47-year-old Scotsman, who clinched the World Championship title in 2006 and the China Open in 2007, is facing historic charges involving two minors, one male and one female.
Court documents allege that Dott sexually abused the girl in Glasgow between 1993 and 1996, starting when she was about 10 years old.
The accusations include claims that he asked her to undress, exposed himself to her, and committed sexual assault.
A second charge involves the alleged sexual abuse of a young boy, said to have occurred between 2006 and 2010 in various locations across Lanarkshire, beginning when the boy was around seven years old.
As the legal process unfolds, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association has moved swiftly to suspend Dott from all competition.
A statement on the WPBSA website confirmed, “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.”
Although he was expected to appear in court this week, MailOnline reported that the hearing has now been rescheduled for June. The case will be heard at the High Court in Glasgow.
Dott, who turned professional in 1994 and has remained a familiar face on the World Snooker Tour, has seen his ranking drop to 56th this season.
He was set to compete in the World Snooker Championship qualifiers beginning next week but has been sidelined by the suspension.
Despite retaining the right to appeal the WPBSA’s decision, it is believed, according to the PA news agency, that the appeals process would not be completed in time for Dott to take part in his scheduled match on Friday.
Born in Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, Dott was raised in the Easterhouse area of Glasgow. He honed his skills with guidance from Alex Lambie, a snooker club owner who played a pivotal role in shaping his career.
His 2006 world title run was memorable, as he triumphed over household names like John Parrott, Nigel Bond, and Ronnie O’Sullivan, before defeating Peter Ebdon 18-14 in a gripping final and walking away with a £200,000 prize.
A devoted Rangers fan, Dott famously celebrated his victory by parading the World Championship trophy at Ibrox Stadium, the home ground of the football club he supports.
