Olympic cyclist Rohan Dennis has received a suspended jail term following a tragic car incident that led to the death of his wife, Melissa Hoskins.
Tragic event ends in suspended sentence
Rohan Dennis, 34, appeared in South Australia’s district court on Wednesday. He pleaded guilty to an aggravated offence likely to cause harm, connected to a car crash that killed his wife, Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins, on 30 December 2023.
Judge highlights deep emotional toll
Judge Ian Press described the event as more than just tragic, acknowledging the deep grief felt by Hoskins’ loved ones. He said the incident brought anguish and heartbreak into their lives.
The fatal incident
The court heard that Dennis and Hoskins had argued earlier that day over kitchen renovations. Dennis left their home in Medindie, Adelaide, and drove away. Hoskins reportedly jumped onto the bonnet of his car. The judge noted that driving with someone on the bonnet is always dangerous.
After getting off the bonnet, Hoskins opened the car door. Dennis closed it without stopping. She then held onto the car as he accelerated. She fell, suffered serious injuries, and later died at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
No charge for causing death
The judge emphasized that Dennis was not charged with causing Hoskins’ death. However, the dangerous nature of his actions could not be ignored. He also acknowledged that Dennis felt responsibility and guilt over what happened.
Suspended jail term and conditions
Dennis was sentenced to one year and five months in jail, reduced from two years and two months due to his guilty plea. The sentence was suspended based on his remorse, role as the sole carer for his young children, and other personal circumstances.
He agreed to a $100 two-year good behaviour bond and had his driver’s licence suspended for five years. Any breach of this suspension will lead to jail time.
Family reacts with focus on children
Outside the court, Melissa Hoskins’ father, Peter, said it was time to move forward, as Melissa would have wanted. He emphasized the importance of being part of the children’s lives and building a respectful relationship with Dennis.
Though the family had not yet received an apology from Dennis, Peter said he believed it would come. He also stressed that a prison sentence was not something they were pursuing, for the sake of the children.
Melissa Hoskins’ legacy
Melissa Hoskins was an accomplished athlete. She competed in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and was part of the team that won the 2015 world championship in track cycling.
Rohan Dennis’ achievements
Dennis is a two-time world champion in the road time trial and won Olympic medals in both road and track events. He secured silver in the 2012 team pursuit and bronze in the Tokyo 2020 road time trial.
Related topics
- 5 Key Moments from Pipe Pro Shaping the 2025 Tour
- Independent Surf Shops Rise Amid Corporate Closures
- Barron Mamiya Wins Back-to-Back Pipe Pro Titles