Olympic cyclist Rohan Dennis is facing up to seven years in jail after pleading guilty to a lesser charge relating to the death of his wife Melissa Hoskins. The 32-year-old Hoskins, also an Olympic cyclist, died in hospital after being hit by a car being driven by Dennis in December 2023. Dennis will not be held legally responsible for Hoskins’ death.
What happened
34-year-old Dennis pleaded guilty to creating likelihood of harm. The previous charges against him – dangerous driving causing death and an aggravated charge of driving without due care -were dropped in the Adelaide Magistrates court following an agreement between both sides’ lawyers. The new charge could see Dennis jailed for a maximum of seven years and without a driving license for five years.
Context
Hoskins was struck by a car allegedly driven by Dennis on 30 December 2023. The 32-year-old sustained serious injuries and died in Royal Adelaide Hospital. Hoskins was a two-time Olympic track cyclist who competed at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games.
Dennis competed at three Olympics (2012, 2016, 2021) in both road and track cycling events. At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Dennis won a bronze medal in the men’s road race. He also became the seventh Australian cyclist to wear the yellow jersey on the men’s Tour de France after winning the first stage in 2015.
What they said
Dennis’ lawyer Jane Abbey told the magistrate: “What is agreed that will happen today is that… the original charges will be dropped… this charge does not charge him with any responsibility for her death”.
What’s next?
Dennis will be sentenced on 24 January. He is currently on bail.
