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Olympic cyclist Rohan Dennis appeared in court with a somber expression on Wednesday morning, declining to respond to inquiries or offer any apology regarding the passing of his wife, Olympic athlete Melissa Hoskins.
Dennis, 34, received a two-year suspended sentence on Wednesday over the ‘tragic accident’ that led to his wife’s death.
He appeared at the South Australia District Court after pleading guilty to a charge of committing an aggravated act likely to cause harm.
The former Olympian remained tight-lipped as he was repeatedly asked if he would like to make an apology for his actions.
Jessica Locke, Melissa Hoskins’ sister, informed the court that Dennis had yet to apologise to the family for his conduct, noting her difficulty in comprehending his apparent indifference.
Olympic cyclist Rohan Dennis (left) snubbed reporters as he left court on Wednesday
Rohan Dennis has avoided jail over his involvement in the tragic death of his wife and fellow cycling star Melissa Hoskins (pictured together)
‘No remorse has been shown,’ she said.
Ms Hoskins’ father, Peter, made an emotional statement outside the court after the sentence was passed.
When asked if the family had received an apology, he replied: ‘Not as yet, but I’m sure that will come in time. I think it’s difficult for everyone.’
He went on to say that the family was looking forward to moving on.
‘We’re glad the trial is over, and shortened considerably by Rohan’s guilty plea,’ Peter Hoskins said through tears.
‘It is now time for us to move on, which would be Melissa’s expectations of us.
‘Clearly we want to continue to be an integral part of their children’s lives and their future.
‘How we do this in a meaningful way, and a relevant way, will take time as we refocus on our lives going forward without Melissa.
Melissa Hoskins’ father Peter and mother Amanda (pictured outside court) told reporters they still hadn’t received an apology but expected to in time
Dennis (pictured at the Olympics in 2020) was facing a maximum penalty of seven years in jail
‘With respect to Rohan, as hard as it’s going to be, it’s important that we also have a well-mannered relationship with him.
‘Oliver and Madeleine [the couple’s children] merit better. They are innocent in all of this … Melissa is greatly missed. She was truly exceptional.’
Dennis was arrested after his wife was struck by his vehicle near their home at Medindie, in Adelaide’s inner north, on December 30, 2023.
Ms Hoskins suffered serious injuries and died in Royal Adelaide Hospital.
The court has been told that the couple had argued over kitchen renovations before Dennis left their home and drove away.
Ms Hoskins had jumped onto the car bonnet shortly before she died.
Judge Ian Press emphasised that Dennis was not being held criminally responsible for his wife’s death.
Dennis on Wednesday was sentenced to one year, four months and 28 days in jail, to be suspended for two years.
Dennis was arrested after his wife was struck by his vehicle near their home at Medindie, in Adelaide’s inner north, in 2023. She later died in hospital
The sentence was reduced from two years and two months because of his guilty plea and he’s been placed on a two-year good behaviour bond.
His licence was also suspended for five years.
The offence carried a maximum sentence of seven years in jail but barrister Jane Abbey KC has asked that her client receive a suspended sentence, which was not opposed by the prosecution.
Ms Hoskins competed at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics on the track in the team pursuit and was in the squad that won the 2015 world title.
Dennis won two world titles in the road time trial, as well as silver in the team pursuit at the 2012 Olympics and bronze in the road time trial at the Tokyo Olympics.
Ms Hoskins was laid to rest in her home city of Perth and a public memorial service was held in Adelaide in February 2024.
Dennis attended the service with their two children.
