Former Olympic cyclist Rohan Dennis has been given a suspended sentence following the “tragic accident” that resulted in the death of his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins. Dennis, aged 34, appeared in the South Australia district court and pleaded guilty to a charge of committing an aggravated act likely to cause harm. He was arrested after Hoskins was struck by his vehicle near their home at Medindie, in Adelaide’s inner north, on December 30, 2023. She suffered severe injuries and died at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
The court previously heard that the couple had an argument about kitchen renovations before Dennis left their home. Hoskins jumped onto the car’s bonnet shortly before her death. Prosecutors stated that Dennis was not being held criminally responsible for his wife’s death.
At the court hearing, Dennis was sentenced to one year and five months in jail, which was suspended for two years. The sentence was reduced from two years and two months due to his guilty plea. He was also placed on a two-year good behavior bond, and his driving license was suspended for five years. The offense carried a maximum sentence of seven years in jail, but his barrister, Jane Abbey KC, insisted on a suspended sentence, which was not opposed by the prosecution.
During the sentencing, Amanda Hoskins, Melissa’s daughter, expressed that her mother had loved Dennis and believed the incident was a tragic accident. However, Jessica Locke, Hoskins’ sister, pointed out that Dennis had not apologized to the family for his actions, showing no remorse. Peter Hoskins, the father, expressed concern about losing access to their grandchildren, aged six and four.
Abbey revealed that her client, despite appearing stoic in public, was deeply grieving in private. Hoskins, who competed in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and won a world title in 2015, was remembered fondly. Dennis, who won two world titles and a silver and bronze Olympic medal, was also a prominent figure in the cycling world. Hoskins was buried in Perth, and a public memorial service was held in Adelaide in February 2024, attended by Dennis and their children.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/14/melissa-hoskins-death-rohan-dennis-sentence-ntwnfb
