World News

Former world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis avoided jail for his wife's death, Olympia's fellow Melissa Hoskins

Former Olympic cyclist and world champion Rohan Dennis was suspended for a 'tragic accident' on Wednesday The death of his wifeOlympian Melissa Hoskins.

The 34-year-old Dennis appeared in South Australia District Court after pleaded guilty to aggravated conduct that could cause harm.

Dennis arrested Hoskins, 32, was hit by his vehicle in front of his home in Medindie, north of Adelaide on December 30, 2023.

The court was told the couple had renovated the kitchen before Dennis left the house and drove away. The court also learned that Hoskins had jumped to the hood of the car when the incident occurred.

Melissa Hoskins

Australian Olympic Committee


Dennis was sentenced to one year, four months and 28 days in prison on Wednesday, and was suspended for two years. The sentence was lowered from two years and two months due to a guilty plea, and he was placed in a bond of good conduct for two years.

His license was also suspended for five years.

“I accept that you have a sense of responsibility for everything that happens, and I accept that you may be different if you take action in other ways,” Judge Ian Press said Wednesday.

Dennis showed little emotion when the news sentenced him.

“In view of your guilt-pleading nature, your remorse, you are the sole caregiver for your young child, and in light of all your other personal circumstances and circumstances of the crime, I am satisfied that there is a good reason for the existence of this judgment.”

The crime was sentenced to up to seven years in prison, but attorney Jane Abbey asked her client to be sentenced to probation, which was not against prosecution.

Amanda Hoskins said during the sentencing submission in April that her daughter, Dennis, “I know you will never intentionally hurt her.”

“I believe this is a tragic accident. Your temper is your decline and needs to be resolved,” she said.

The BBC reported that Hoskins' parents spoke outside the court after the sentencing on Wednesday, saying they were “happy” to end the case and they hope the family can “keep going forward.”

Australian Rohan Dennis accused of cycling

Australian gold medalist Rohan Dennis won the medal after a solo time trial of a man riding a bicycle in West Park, Wolf Hampton, England on August 4, 2022.

Rui Vieira / AP


Hoskins' father said the family has not received apologies from Dennis, but it is expected to “over time.” He said it was important for the couple to maintain a “good relationship” with Dennis.

The BBC reported that Hoskins and Dennis had two children.

“There are two young children who are trapped in this tragedy…Obviously, we hope to continue to be an integral part of it. [the] Children's lives and their future. ” said Hoskins’ father.

Hoskins' funeral was held in her hometown of Perth, Western Australia, with a public memorial service in Adelaide in February 2024. Dennis participated in the service with their two children.

Hoskins competed in team hunting in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and participated in the team that won the 2015 world championship. According to Australian public broadcaster ABC, she was hospitalized after a high-speed crash at the Olympic stadium during training.

Dennis won two world titles in the road time trial, winning silver medals in the team hunt in the 2012 Olympics and bronze medals, and in the Tokyo Olympics road time trial.

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