Former Olympic cyclist and world champion Rohan Dennis has received a suspended jail sentence over the 2023 death of his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins, following what the court described as a “tragic accident.”
Suspended Sentence Handed Down
Appearing in South Australia District Court on Wednesday, Dennis, 34, was sentenced to one year, four months and 28 days in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years. He will also be subject to a two-year good behavior bond and had his driver’s license suspended for five years.
Dennis had previously pleaded guilty to committing an aggravated act likely to cause harm, a charge that carried a maximum penalty of seven years in prison. The court granted a sentence reduction due to his early plea.
Fatal Incident Outside Adelaide Home
The fatal incident occurred on December 30, 2023, outside the couple’s home in Medindie, a suburb in northern Adelaide. The court heard that the couple had been arguing about kitchen renovations when Dennis left in his vehicle. Hoskins, 32, reportedly jumped onto the hood of the car, and was then struck. She later died from her injuries at Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Family’s Testimony and Courtroom Reactions
During earlier sentencing submissions in April, Amanda Hoskins, Melissa’s mother, addressed Dennis directly in court:
“I believe this is a tragic accident. Your temper is your downfall and needs to be addressed,” she said.
“She loved you, and I know you would never intentionally hurt her.”
The prosecution did not oppose the defense’s request for a suspended sentence.
Remembering Melissa Hoskins
Melissa Hoskins was a celebrated athlete who represented Australia at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games in the track team pursuit. She was also part of the 2015 world championship-winning squad.
Her funeral was held in Perth, Western Australia, with a public memorial service in Adelaide in February 2024. Dennis attended the service with the couple’s two young children.
Dennis is a two-time world champion in the road time trial, and won silver in the team pursuit at the 2012 London Olympics and bronze in the time trial at the Tokyo Olympics.
