A police detective has described snooker player Graeme Dott as a “dangerous individual” after the former world champion was convicted of sexually abusing children.
Detective Inspector Gary Smillie praised the bravery of Dott’s victims in coming forward with details of his crimes.
However, he would not be drawn on whether Dott, 49, could have been brought to justice earlier.
One of Dott’s victims, a woman who is now in her 40s, first gave a statement to police about his behaviour in 2001.
The former world champion subjected two primary school-aged children to multiple incidents of abuse, targeting a girl between 1993-1996 and a boy between 2006-2010.
Speaking to journalists in Glasgow following the snooker player’s conviction, Mr Smillie said: “Dott is a dangerous individual, and I hope this conviction provides some measure of comfort to those impacted by his crimes.
“His conviction is as a direct result of their strength in coming forward and providing information which assisted our inquiries.
“We will continue to investigate abuse wherever and whenever it happens, no matter how much time has passed, and we will hold those responsible accountable, regardless of who they are.”
He encouraged anyone with concerns about abuse to contact police.
Asked about the victim’s statement in 2001, the detective inspector said he could not comment on why it took so long for a conviction to be secured.
However, he said a second individual came forward with complaints about Dott, providing further information for police and prosecutors.
Mr Smillie said: “We understand that it’s not easy to come forward to report incidents when they happen, but the two individuals involved in this have shown significant strength in coming forward and ultimately have been supported by specialist officers.”
