Snooker star banned from World Tour after being jailed for three years

A professional snooker player has been jailed for three years after being sentenced for assault occasioning actual bodily harm on his former partner.

Michael White, 33, of Neath Abbey in South Wales, has been jailed following conviction for multiple domestic violence offences which took place over the course of more than a year, police said.

In the wake of White's sentencing, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) confirmed the player has been removed as a member of the organisation, meaning he has been removed from both the World Tour and world rankings list.

The WPBSA took the decision in an emergency board meeting, having been aware of the case and had been monitoring it - adding in a statement that it 'does not tolerate' the behaviour.

A WPBSA statement read: "On 11th July 2024 Michael White was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment for assault occasioning Actual Bodily Harm on his then partner.

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"The WPBSA does not tolerate such behaviour by a Member and has taken immediate action to remove Michael White as a Member of the WPBSA.

"The WPBSA had been monitoring the case and upon his sentence convened an emergency board meeting. A resolution was passed to cease Michael White’s Membership of the WPBSA with immediate effect.

"Therefore, Michael White will now be removed from the world ranking list and World Snooker Tour.

"Michael White has the right to appeal the decision of the Board within 21 days of the decision."

Speaking after the sentencing, PC Ellen Green from South Wales Police said: "Michael White has rightfully been jailed after he carried out assaults on his victim on many occasions, leaving them with injuries.

"Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for us at South Wales Police. Nobody should suffer in silence - this behaviour will not be tolerated."

White won his first ranked event at the 2015 Indian Open, and was most recently in action at the 2024 Championship League.

He reached that competition's second stage and finished bottom of Group G, which took place at the start of this month at the Leicester Arena.