Ex-world snooker champion Graeme Dott intends to appeal against conviction and jail sentence for child sex abuse

Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott intends to appeal against his conviction and seven-year jail sentence for historical child sex abuse.

Warning: This article contains details of child sexual abuse.

Dott was jailed last month and was told his name would be placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.

The shamed sportsman, 49, denied any wrongdoing but was in August found guilty of lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour towards two primary school-aged children.

The allegations spanned between 1993 and 1996 involving a girl in Glasgow, and 2006 to 2010 involving a boy in South Lanarkshire.

Judge Lord Harrower said Dott robbed his victims of "a significant part of their childhood", adding: "Your behaviour towards them bore the classic hallmarks of grooming."

On Friday, the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) confirmed to Sky News an intimation of intention to appeal against his conviction and sentence had been lodged.

The note of appeal is due by 3 December.

During Dott's trial at the High Court in Glasgow, jurors heard how he repeatedly molested his two victims.

This included inducing the girl to briefly engage in a sex act, which came to an end when she "started to cry", and sexually abusing the boy while the youngster was in a shower.

Both victims, now adults, told the court they received gifts from Dott at the time of his abuse.

The woman said she was once given a teddy, which had a love heart on it that read "love me".

The man said he was gifted snacks and treats - including a £50 note - as a "reward strategy".

Dott refuted the pair's claims, branding the allegations "disgusting".

During Dott's sentencing, defence lawyer Euan Dow said his client continued to maintain his innocence and had the support of his family and friends.

Mr Dow said Dott had "received threats" in jail and had been moved to another section as a result of becoming "a target within the custodial establishment".

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Dott turned professional in 1994 and went on to win the World Snooker Championship in 2006, defeating Peter Ebdon in the final at the Crucible in Sheffield.

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

Dott was suspended from competition by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) when the court charges were announced in April 2025.

Following his conviction, his membership was "permanently revoked" and he was additionally removed from World Snooker Tour's hall of fame.

Procurator Fiscal Faye Cook, of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said at the time of his sentencing: "Graeme Dott achieved success and public admiration but, in private, he exploited the trust of two children to abuse and coerce them.

"Dott's criminal behaviour has been his downfall, and he now faces the consequences of his actions."

(c) Sky News 2026: Ex-world snooker champion Graeme Dott intends to appeal against conviction an