New twist in Dennis case: "No responsibility for Hoskins' death, but a heavy penalty still possible"

There is a new twist in the case involving Rohan Dennis. The former rider of INEOS Grenadiers and Jumbo-Visma, among others, crashed into his wife Melissa Hoskinson on New Year's Eve last year, right in front of their home, after which she died. After the case was postponed several times, Dennis confessed to reckless driving.

That confession removes the possibility that Dennis had purposefully intended to take his wife's life, which was previously the central issue in the case. The judges did not establish that intent, ABC News reported. However, the tragic incident can be attributed to Dennis, now that the former rider, who quit as a pro last year, did confess to reckless driving.

While doing so, he has also confessed to having "created a likelihood of harm," which weighs heavily in the case. His attorney stated it as follows during the hearing, "Mr. Dennis did not intend to harm his wife, and this charge does not accuse him of being responsible for her death." The court took this message and accepted a new charge, which is consequently about reckless driving. A new sentencing proposal will, therefore, follow based on that fact.

However, Dennis still faces a prison sentence of up to seven years. The case will continue in January.

Read more below the photo.

Rohan Dennis and Melissa Hoskins.

Dennis drove off after argument with Hoskins

Soon, more became clear about the circumstances of Hoskins' death in January this year. Her husband hit her with fatal consequences. According to Australian media, the two argued. Hoskins allegedly climbed onto the hood in a desperate attempt to stop her husband's car, after which she allegedly grabbed the door handle and was pulled along for some time. She later died in the hospital from her injuries.

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