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Rohan Craig Dennis remains silent as he fronts Adelaide court for the first time

The cyclist remained silent as he faced court for the first time charged with the shocking death of his wife and fellow world champion athlete Melissa Hoskins.

Rohan Dennis Appears in Court

The world champion cyclist charged with the shocking alleged death of his wife and fellow world class athlete Melissa Hoskins has fronted court for the first time.

Rohan Craig Dennis allegedly struck and killed his wife with a ute outside their plush Adelaide home on the night of December 30, 2023.

Mr Dennis, dressed in a dark navy blue suit, appeared before Magistrate Simon Smart on Wednesday for the first hearing into the tragic case that has devastated Australia’s sporting community.

Mr Dennis declined to say anything as he entered and left the court, standing silently in the dock throughout proceedings.

Cyclist Rohan Dennis arrives at the Adelaide Magistrates Court for his first hearing after the death of his wife Melissa Hoskins on December 30, 2023. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards
Cyclist Rohan Dennis arrives at the Adelaide Magistrates Court for his first hearing after the death of his wife Melissa Hoskins on December 30, 2023. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

The prosecution have asked for seven months to determine the final charges against the gold medallist, arguing they needed six months for the major crash reconstruction report to be completed and then another four weeks for the Director of Public Prosecutions to determine the charges.

At present, the police have charged Mr Dennis with causing death by dangerous driving.

He has not entered a plea.

Mr Smart expressed surprise at the length of time required by the prosecution, but the prosecutor clarified the requested time would be backdated to the date of the crash and not from the day of the hearing.

A photo of Melissa from her memorial service. Picture: Supplied
A photo of Melissa from her memorial service. Picture: Supplied
Melissa Hoskins and Rohan Dennis. Picture: Instagram
Melissa Hoskins and Rohan Dennis. Picture: Instagram

The court heard the work to reconstruct what happened that night outside the couple’s home had begun.

Mr Dennis’ defence counsel did not oppose the timeline and Mr Smart set August 6 for a charge determination hearing.

Mr Dennis is on bail and Mr Smart also agreed to alter his reporting conditions at the hearing.

Leaving the court, Mr Dennis moved quickly through a packed media scrum and into a black car.

Melissa with her father Peter. Picture: Supplied
Melissa with her father Peter. Picture: Supplied
Rohan Dennis and Melissa Hoskins.
Rohan Dennis and Melissa Hoskins.
Rohan Dennis (pictured with Melissa) is on bail.
Rohan Dennis (pictured with Melissa) is on bail.

Ms Hoskins was a beloved athlete and mother to the two children she shared with Mr Dennis.

The police allege Mr Dennis was driving the ute that struck her outside their leafy Medindie home.

Hundreds of mourners gathered to farewell the world-class cyclist at a public service in Adelaide in February.

Ms Hoskins’ father Peter struggled to hold back tears as he welcomed people to the memorial held in her honour.

Mr Dennis will return to court on August 6, 2024. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards
Mr Dennis will return to court on August 6, 2024. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

“While we’re still grieving, today is about celebrating Melissa, celebrating her love of life. The friendships she valued, the achievements and her triumphs,” he said.

Mr Dennis attended the memorial with the couple’s two children, but did not speak during the service. He was photographed hugging guests before the ceremony started.

Ms Hoskins competed at the 2012 London Olympics and 2016 Rio Olympics.

Originally published as Rohan Craig Dennis remains silent as he fronts Adelaide court for the first time

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rohan-craig-dennis-remains-silent-as-he-fronts-adelaide-court-for-the-first-time/news-story/9aa9a58461c14e88239fc94351733859