Snooker-Former world champion Dott convicted of historical sexual abuse

GLASGOW, Aug 24 : Former snooker world champion Graeme Dott was on Monday convicted of sexually abusing two children several decades ago after a trial in a Scottish court.

Dott was charged with two counts of "lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour", against a girl between 1993 and 1996, and a boy between 2006 and 2010.

The indictment alleged that the 49-year-old had sexually assaulted the girl, exposed himself to her and induced her to touch him. Dott was also accused of making sexual remarks to the boy and touching his genitals.

He denied the charges but was found guilty after a trial at the High Court in Glasgow. He will be sentenced next month.

"Dott is a dangerous individual and I hope this conviction provides some measure of comfort to those impacted by his crimes," Detective Inspector Gary Smillie from Police Scotland told reporters.

Dott won the world snooker championship in 2006, beating Peter Ebdon 18-14 in the final, and twice finished as runner-up in 2004 and 2010.

He was suspended by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association after the charges were announced last year.