World Champion Cyclist Pleads Guilty Over Car Incident Which Killed His Olympic Cyclist Wife: Reports

Olympic cyclist Rohan Dennis has reportedly pleaded guilty to a charge related to the death of his wife — and fellow olympian — Melissa Hoskins.

Australian sports star Dennis, 34, who is a former world champion cyclist, was driving a car that struck Hoskins on Dec. 30, 2023, reported multiple outlets including the BBC, Sydney Morning Herald and The Guardian.

She later died from the injuries she sustained in the incident and on Tuesday, Dec. 10, Dennis admitted the aggravated charge of "creating likelihood of harm," per multiple outlets. This reportedly carries a maximum sentence of seven years.

Dennis’ attorney, Jane Abbey KC, shared the decision with the court on Dec. 10. The new charge means that though Dennis’ actions were reckless, he is not being held criminally responsible for his wife’s death.

Related: Australian Cyclist Rohan Dennis Charged in Death of Olympian Wife Melissa Hoskins: Reports

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"There was no intention of Mr Dennis to harm his wife and this charge does not charge him with responsibility for her death," Abbey told the court, reported the BBC.

Court magistrate Justin Wickens added that Dennis was driving while his wife was nearby or on the vehicle, and that he got behind the wheel while being aware that it had the potential to cause her harm, added the BBC and Sydney Morning Herald.

After pleading guilty, Dennis was released on bail ahead of his Jan. 24, 2025 sentencing, per multiple outlets.

Related: Olympian Tori Bowie Died from Childbirth Complications, Rep Confirms

Dennis and Hoskins tied the knot in 2018 and share two children. Dennis posted photos of the family celebrating Christmas together on his now-private Instagram account prior to the incident.

After being struck by the car, Hoskins, who was 32 at the time of her death, was rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital where she later died. She had a public memorial service in February in Adelaide, Australia, and Dennis attended with the former couple’s two children.

Hoskins competed for Australia in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics in the team pursuit and won the world title in the same event in 2015. Dennis helped Team Australia receive a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics and a bronze in 2020. He also is a two-time world champion in the road time trial. He retired from cycling in 2023.

Read the original article on People