Rohan Dennis charged with causing death by dangerous driving of wife Melissa Hoskins

One of Australia’s top sportsmen has learned what charges he will face over the death of his wife.

A charge of causing death by dangerous driving will proceed against one of Australia’s top sportsmen who allegedly killed his Olympian wife while driving a luxury car outside their affluent Adelaide home.

Rohan Craig Dennis appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court Tuesday morning on charges relating to the death of his wife, 32-year-old Melissa Hoskins.

The mother-of-two died on December 30 after the family’s dark grey 2022 Volkswagen Amarok Highline V6 ute struck her on Avenel Gardens Rd, Medindie.

Major Crash police have charged Dennis, a former world champion cyclist and Olympian with killing her.

On Tuesday, a prosecutor told the court the charge of causing death by dangerous driving would proceed.

Melissa Hoskins and Rohan Dennis on their wedding day. Picture: Social Media

The couple developed the foundations of a relationship during their time together competing at the 2012 London Olympics. Picture: Social Media

Jessica Kurtzer, for Dennis, told the court negotiations were underway.

Dennis stood silently as he listened from the dock during the short court hearing and did not address the media as he left the court and hurried into a waiting car.

The Advertiser understands police will allege Hoskins, also a retired professional cyclist and Olympian, jumped onto the car bonnet and then grabbed at a door handle.

Officers will allege Dennis, a dual world champion who retired from his 16-year cycling career last year, continued to drive the 4WD until she fell to the ground.

Police will allege the victim was dragged some distance along the leafy street, which is located in one of the state’s most expensive suburbs in Adelaide’s inner north.

Police say some of the incident was caught on neighbours’ security cameras.

Hoskins, originally from Perth, later died in the Royal Adelaide Hospital from catastrophic injuries.

Dennis was charged with causing her death by dangerous driving.

In court documents sighted by the Advertiser, police allege Dennis drove “recklessly or at a speed or in a manner which was dangerous to any person”.

“And by that culpable negligence, recklessness or other conduct, caused the death of Melissa Marie Dennis,” the document states.

He has remained on bail since being charged.

He has yet to plead to the charges, but if found guilty he faces a maximum 15-year prison term and mandatory minimum 10-year licence disqualification.

Dennis is also charged with aggravated driving without care, which has a significantly less maximum penalty of 12 months’ jail and a six-month disqualification if found guilty.

At the time authorities seized Dennis’ $70,000 vehicle, which he is believed to have bought a year ago.

Dennis will next face court in October, where he will be expected to enter pleas.

Originally published as Rohan Dennis charged with causing death by dangerous driving of wife Melissa Hoskins