Pro cyclist Dennis faces fifteen years in prison, plea and trial continuation set for late October

Rohan Dennis is due back in court this Tuesday in Australia, following his arrest on New Year’s Eve 2023 for the fatal car accident that killed his wife, Melissa Hoskins. Dennis initially appeared in court in March, at which time his bail was extended for another five months. That period has now concluded.

On December 31, 2023, near their home, Dennis reportedly struck his wife with his pickup truck, leading to her later death from injuries sustained. "Following a crash in Medindie, we arrested a man. Shortly after eight o'clock, emergency services were called after receiving reports of a woman being struck by a vehicle," stated an official report from Australia. It is alleged that Dennis was driving at high speed when he hit his wife in front of their house.

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Dennis returns to court after five months, police reconstruction completed

It was on March 13 that Dennis had to appear in court. The Australian invoked his right to remain silent. Magistrate Simon Start was requested by the prosecutors to extend the Australian's bail by five months. This gave the police time to thoroughly reconstruct the case. That time has now passed, the reconstruction is complete, and the trial will now proceed.

Over the past few months, Dennis has been able to care for his children under bail, as the police believed that the now-retired Jumbo-Visma cyclist would not commit any further criminal acts. If Dennis is found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, he could face up to fifteen years in prison.

Continuation of Dennis's trial set for late October

Dennis was charged with careless driving resulting in death and reckless driving. The Australian former professional was present in the courtroom. Following the proceedings, he once again offered no comment to the media, according to Het Nieuwsblad.

The judge reportedly agreed to the proposal from Dennis's lawyer to set aside twelve weeks for the plea from the accused former cyclist. Thus, the continuation of the case will take place at the end of October.

Dennis rode his final year as a professional with Jumbo-Visma in 2023, before retiring that summer. During his career, he won stages in the Giro, Tour, and Vuelta and was twice crowned world champion in time trials.

Dennis returns to court

Dennis returns to court after five months