Former cycling world champion Rohan Dennis had to appear in court. © ANSA / MATT TURNER / STR

Wife killed by car: Cycling star does not have to go to prison

Former cycling world champion Rohan Dennis will not go to prison after the accidental death of his wife Melissa Hoskins, but he has been found guilty on many charges.

14 May 2025

From: dpa

According to consistent media reports, a district court in Adelaide, South Australia, sentenced the 34-year-old to a two-year suspended sentence. According to ABC, the judge also imposed a five-year driving ban.

Former racing cyclist Hoskins died in hospital at the end of December 2023 at the age of 32 after being hit by a pickup truck in front of the couple's home in Adelaide. Dennis, the father of her two children, was driving the car.

How did the accident happen?

There had allegedly been an argument between the two beforehand, after which Dennis allegedly attempted to drive away from home. "Your determination to leave the area to de-escalate the argument helps explain your behavior—but it does not excuse or justify your disregard for your wife's safety," said Judge Ian Press.

Dennis had pleaded guilty. Initially, he was charged with, among other things, dangerous driving causing death. However, in court last December, he admitted a less serious charge, namely that he had created a situation in which someone could be harmed. The other charges were dropped after a deal with the prosecution.

Cooperates with the police

"To describe the consequences of the events of December 30, 2023, as tragic does not do justice to the grief and anguish these events brought into the lives of those who knew and loved your wife, Melissa Dennis," Judge Press emphasized. "However, I accept that you accept responsibility for everything that happened." The defendant also cooperated with the police at all times.

"It's time for us to move on, and that's exactly what Melissa would have expected of us," her parents said outside the courthouse. "As for Rohan, as difficult as it will be, it's important that we also have a good relationship with him," they explained. "We miss Melissa terribly. She was very special."

Rohan Dennis ended his career two years ago. © APA/afp / LUK BENIES

Hoskins, a former world champion and two-time Olympian, had been married to Dennis since 2018. The professional rider became individual time trial world champion in 2018 and 2019 and also won at least one stage in all three major national tours. He retired in 2023. Before that, he had won a stage of the Tour Down Under in Australia in January 2023.