The sliding doors of the Adelaide Magistrates Court stand just 50 metres from those of the Hilton Hotel – a place former Australian pro cyclist Rohan Dennis knows far better than a courtroom.
But today, instead of leaving the Hilton like his former teammates, Dennis walked out of court and, ashen-faced, past the waiting press.
Minutes earlier, 34yo Dennis was inside court for a guilty plea arraignment hearing – a formal part of the judicial process.
Dennis was previously charged with causing the death of his wife, celebrated Olympian Melissa Hoskins, who died outside their Adelaide home on December 30, 2023. A number of charges were later downgraded and replaced with a single count of an aggravated act likely to cause harm.
Dennis admitted to driving recklessly, knowing his actions were likely to cause harm and showing reckless indifference to the potential consequences.
At Friday’s arraignment hearing, Dennis faced the court for the formal reading of the charge. His barrister, Jane Abbey KC, clarified in December that while Dennis admitted to recklessness, there was no intent to harm Hoskins.
“This charge does not hold him responsible for her death,” Abbey told the court at the time.
Judge Ian Press has adjourned the matter until April 14, when sentencing submissions and victim impact statements from Melissa Hoskins family are expected to be heard.
The charge Dennis is facing carries a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment and a five-year disqualification from driving.