Cyclist Rohan Dennis pleads guilty to driving while disqualified after crash that killed wife

Former professional cyclist Rohan Dennis faces a possible jail sentence after admitting he drove while disqualified, connected to the events leading to the death of his wife, Olympian Melissa Hoskins. A judge had previously warned Dennis he would be jailed if he drove while banned.

In 2025, the 36-year-old received a suspended 17-month jail term and a five-year driving ban after pleading guilty to a charge of committing an aggravated act likely to cause harm in relation to his wife's death. Hoskins, 32, was struck by her husband's vehicle near their home in Medindie, inner north Adelaide, on 30 December 2023. She suffered serious injuries and died at Royal Adelaide Hospital.

On 11 June, the father-of-two was reported for driving while disqualified, and his car was impounded for 28 days after police allegedly observed him driving with two children as passengers. On Friday, Dennis pleaded guilty to the charge in Adelaide Magistrates Court. He will also appear in the District Court on 1 September for breaching a good behaviour bond.

When sentenced in May 2025, Dennis had agreed to a $100, two-year good behaviour bond, and his driver's licence was suspended for five years. At the time, Judge Ian Press warned that any violation of the driving suspension would be a bond breach, and Dennis would be jailed.

After sentencing in May 2025, Hoskins' father, Peter Hoskins, said the family had not yet received an apology from Dennis, "but I'm sure that will come in time." "From the outset it (a jail term) wasn't something we were pursuing."

Hoskins competed at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics in team pursuit and was part of the squad that won the 2015 world title. Dennis won two world titles in the road time trial, as well as silver in team pursuit at the 2012 Olympics and bronze in road time trial at the Tokyo Olympics.

In March, Dennis was criticised over an Instagram post sharing a photo of a black Porsche with the caption: "What an absolute weapon." South Australia's Victims Rights Commissioner, Sarah Quick, said the post was "deeply offensive" and demonstrated "a clear lack of insight into the real and lasting impact of the harm he has caused." "It also reflects a profound lack of respect for Melissa and her family," she said.