Ex-snooker champion in court accused of child sex abuse

Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott has appeared in court and been released on bail over allegations of historical child sex abuse.

Dott, 47, is accused of two charges relating to primary school-age children.

The allegations span between 1993 to 1996 involving a girl, and 2006 to 2010 involving a boy, both in the Glasgow region.

Dott appeared at the city’s high court on Wednesday, and had his bail continued.

His next court appearance has been scheduled for 11 June.

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The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) announced last week that he had been suspended due to the case.

A spokesperson for WPBSA said: “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.”

Having turned professional in 1994, Dott has been a regular on the World Snooker Tour circuit.

He defeated Peter Ebdon when he won his World Championship title at the Crucible in Sheffield in 2006.

He also reached the final in both 2004, when he was beaten by Ronnie O’Sullivan, and 2010, losing out to Australian Neil Robertson.