The former professional cyclist was caught behind the wheel near the Adelaide suburb where his Olympian wife Melissa Hoskins died two-and-a-half years ago
Former professional cyclist and two-time Olympian Rohan Dennis has pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified.
The 36-year-old appeared in court after police allegedly detected him driving last month near Medindie, in Adelaide’s inner north.
Dennis had previously been banned from driving for five years following court proceedings over the events that led to the death of his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins.
Caught driving near Medindie
Police stopped Dennis not far from the area where Hoskins died two-and-a-half years ago.
The latest offence occurred despite the five-year disqualification imposed on him last year.
Dennis entered a guilty plea to the charge of driving while disqualified and is expected to return to court for sentencing.
Melissa Hoskins’ death
Hoskins died after she was struck by a vehicle driven by Dennis outside the family home in Medindie.
The incident shocked Australia’s cycling community and led to a lengthy criminal case.
Dennis was later handed a suspended sentence and disqualified from driving for five years over the circumstances surrounding her death.
A successful cycling career
Dennis competed for Australia at two Olympic Games and built a highly successful career in professional cycling.
He won multiple world championships in the individual time trial and raced for some of the sport’s leading international teams before retiring.
Hoskins was also an elite cyclist who represented Australia at the Olympic Games and world championships.
Court appearance scheduled for September
Dennis is due to appear again in the District Court in September.
Further details about the latest offence, including the circumstances in which police stopped him and the possible penalty, are expected to emerge during the next stage of the proceedings.