A victims’ rights advocate has slammed a “deeply offensive” social media post by former Olympic cyclist Rohan Dennis after he avoided jail for driving the car that killed his wife.
Dennis, 35, was handed a suspended jail term in May last year after his wife Melissa Hoskins, 32, was fatally struck by his vehicle near their home at Medindie, in Adelaide’s inner north, on December 30, 2023.
Hoskins, also an Olympic cyclist, suffered serious injuries and died in Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Rohan Dennis arrives at Adelaide Magistrates Court in March 2024. (AAP)
In a post to his Instagram last night, Dennis shared an image of his Porsche, a different car, with the caption “what an absolute weapon”.
Victims’ Rights Commissioner Sarah Quick said the caption was inappropriate given the circumstances.
“This is a deeply offensive comment that demonstrates a clear lack of insight into the real and lasting impact of the harm he has caused,” Quick said in a statement.
“It also reflects a profound lack of respect for Melissa and her family, who continue to live with the consequences of that harm every day.”
In a post to his Instagram last night, Dennis shared an image of his Porsche, a different car, with the caption “what an absolute weapon”. (Instagram/@rohandennis)
The ex-professional cyclist went on to post a second image to his Instagram of his children with a similar caption which read: “Two absolute weapons.”
Nine.com.au has contacted Dennis for comment.
Dennis pleaded guilty to committing an aggravated act likely to cause harm but he was not being held criminally responsible for his wife’s death.
He was given a 17-month suspended prison term with a two-year good behaviour bond and was suspended from driving for two years.
Dennis, 35, was handed a suspended jail term in May last year after his wife Melissa Hoskins, 32, was fatally struck by his vehicle in 2023. (Instagram)
During sentencing submissions in the SA District Court last year, Hoskins’ mother Amanda said her daughter had loved Dennis and “and I know that you would never intentionally hurt her”.
“I believe this is a tragic accident. Your temper is your downfall and needs to be addressed,” she said.
During his competitive career, Dennis won two world titles in the road time trial, as well as silver in the team pursuit at the 2012 Olympics and bronze in the road time trial at the Tokyo Olympics.
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
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