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Former professional cyclist Rohan Dennis receives suspended sentence for the death of his wife
Former Olympic coach Rohan Dennis received a two-year suspended sentence following the fatal accident of his wife, Olympian Melissa Hoskins. Details of the tragic incident in Adelaide.
Former professional cyclist Rohan Dennis receives suspended sentence for the death of his wife
ADELAIDE, Australia - Former Olympian and world champion Rohan Dennis received a suspended sentence Wednesday in connection with what was described as a "tragic accident" that resulted in the death of his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins, led.
The incident and the legal consequences
Dennis, 34, appeared in the District Court of South Australia after previously pleading guilty to committing a serious offense likely to cause bodily harm.
Police arrested Dennis after Hoskins, 32, was struck by his vehicle outside her home in Medindie, north of Adelaide, on December 30, 2023. She suffered serious injuries in the collision and died at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Investigations and trials
The court was told the couple had previously argued over kitchen renovations before Dennis left the house and drove away. It was also reported that Hoskins jumped on the hood of the car during the incident. His driving license was also revoked for five years.
Suspended sentence and public reactions
Dennis was sentenced on Wednesday to a prison sentence of one year, four months and 28 days, suspended for two years. The original sentence of two years and two months was reduced as a result of his guilty plea and he was placed on probation for two years.
The charge carried a maximum sentence of seven years, but lawyer Jane Abbey requested a suspended sentence, which was not challenged by the prosecution.
Mourning the loss of Melissa Hoskins
During sentencing hearings in April, Amanda Hoskins said her daughter loved Dennis and knew he would never intentionally hurt her. "I believe this is a tragic accident. Your temper is your undoing and needs to be addressed," she said.
Hoskins' farewell took place in her hometown of Perth, Western Australia, followed by a public memorial service in Adelaide in February 2024, attended by Dennis along with her two children.
The sporting achievements of Melissa Hoskins and Rohan Dennis
Melissa Hoskins competed in track cycling team pursuit at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and was a member of the team that won the world title in 2015. Rohan Dennis secured two world road time trial titles and also won silver in the team pursuit at the 2012 Olympics and bronze in the road time trial at the Tokyo Olympics.