Prosecutors have confirmed charges against former cycling champion Rohan Dennis over the death of his wife and fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins in 2023, according to Australian media.
The former Jumbo-Visma rider was involved in a car collision where his wife sustained serious injuries and died while being transported to the hospital on December 30.
“Just after 8 p.m. on Saturday, police and emergency services were called to Avenel Gardens Road after reports that a woman had been hit by a car,” a police report read. “A 32-year-old Medindie woman suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment. Sadly, she died in hospital overnight. Major Crash officers attended the scene along with detectives from Eastern District CIB to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
Hoskins was a former professional cyclist, world champion in team pursuit, and mother of two.
Prosecutors initially requested more time for Rohan Dennis’s trial
Dennis first appeared in court in March 2024. Prosecutors asked the court for a seven-month extension to complete a major crash reconstruction. The request was backdated to the time of the incident. In court, Judge Simon Smart questioned police prosecutor Caroline Batten about the need for so much time.
Former teachers of Melissa Hoskins gave beautiful tribute to Olympian
“You need to explain to me why you need seven months,” Smart said. “Is work underway?”
Batten informed Judge Smart that the police required six months to finalize a comprehensive crash reconstruction and an additional four weeks to deliver the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“I do know that the request is backdated to the date of the offense,” she said. “I imagine that work is underway.”
Faces two charges
Police allege that Rohan Dennis, 34, recklessly hit 32-year-old Hoskins with his Volkswagen Amarok in front of her home. In Adelaide Magistrates Court, prosecutor Talia Costi confirmed that Dennis faces charges of causing death by dangerous driving and driving without due care. Dennis, who has been on bail, will return to court on October 30. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
Dennis did not comment to the media after leaving court.
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