To describe the consequences of the events on 30 December 2023 as tragic really does not do justice
Australian former world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis was handed a suspended sentence of nearly 17 months on Wednesday for driving in a manner “likely to cause harm” before his wife, Olympian Melissa Hoskins, was fatally injured.
The 34-year-old pleaded guilty to an “aggravated act likely to cause harm” stemming from a December 2023 incident in Adelaide. He was not charged with causing her death.
The court heard the couple argued over house renovations before Dennis drove off. Hoskins jumped onto the car bonnet and later opened the door of the moving vehicle.
“What happened next does not form the basis of the charge as the prosecution accept that, unbeknownst to you, your wife held onto the car as you accelerated down the street,” Judge Ian Press said.
Hoskins, a two-time Olympian and 2015 world champion, died in hospital from her injuries.
“To describe the consequences as tragic really does not do justice,” the judge added.