Rohan Dennis makes first court appearance to face charges in relation to Melissa Hoskins' death

Rohan Dennis appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday to face charges in relation to the death of his wife Melissa Dennis (née Hoskins). Hoskins was struck by a car outside the family’s home in Adelaide on 30 December, 2023, and died the following day as a result of her injuries.

Dennis, who retired at the end of 2023, is facing charges of causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life.

The Australian has made no comments since the incident and remained silent throughout Wednesday’s proceedings, according to a report on ABC, in which the prosecutors requested an extra seven months to complete a reconstruction of the event.

This request was approved but backdated to the time of the incident, giving prosecutors four months to complete the reconstruction and then a further four weeks to pass on their findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

A request for a change to Dennis’ bail arrangements was approved, which removes reporting obligations.

Hoskins was hit by a driver close to the family’s home in Adelaide on 30 December, 2023, and she was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment but died of her injuries the next day. Dennis, who Hoskins married in 2018, was subsequently arrested and charged in relation to the death. If found guilty, he could face charges of up to 15 years in prison.

• Read more: Rohan Dennis charged in relation to the death of his wife Melissa Hoskins

The former Olympian’s funeral was held in Fremantle in January and was attended by Dennis and their two young children, and a further memorial service was held in Adelaide on 24 February on what would have been Hoskins’ 33rd birthday

Hoskins was a highly successful pro cyclist in her own right, winning titles and races both on the road and track.

As a young rider she was awarded a cycling scholarship by the Australian Institute of Sport and in 2015 she became a world champion as part of Australia's team pursuit squad, while she also competed at both the London and Rio Olympic Games. She retired from professional sport in 2017 and returned to Australia following her husband's retirement.