Graeme Dott, the former world snooker champion, is on trial at the High Court in Glasgow, where he denies two charges of lewd and libidinous behaviour. The allegations involve a young boy, now in his 20s, who claims abuse occurred at a house in South Lanarkshire around 2006, shortly after Dott won his world title.
The accuser testified that Dott allegedly touched him inappropriately in a shower, groped him while playing online poker, and offered him money and gifts as a reward for compliance. The witness described the incidents as opportunistic and sexually motivated, stating they occurred an estimated six to seven times over several years.
During his testimony, the man recounted a specific incident where Dott allegedly gave him a £50 note. When he attempted to spend the money, a shopkeeper alerted his parents, leading to him falsely claiming he had found the cash. The witness told the court that Dott's actions were intended to elicit a specific reaction and that gifts like Thai chilli crisps and Irn Bru, now triggers for his PTSD, were part of a "reward strategy."
Dott, 49, has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which span a period between 1993 and 2010. His defense attorney, Euan Dow, has stated that Dott does not accept the alleged incidents. The trial, presided over by judge Lord Harrower, is ongoing.