Judge Recuses Himself from Sentencing Olympic Cyclist Rohan Dennis

The South Australian District Court judge who warned Olympic cyclist Rohan Dennis that violating his driving ban could lead to incarceration has recused himself from the sentencing. Dennis, 36, had earlier pleaded guilty to offenses connected to the death of his Olympian wife, Melissa Hoskins, and was handed a suspended 17-month jail term and a five-year driving ban in 2025. He was later stopped driving while disqualified on June 11, with two children as passengers.

Dennis' counsel claimed the judge, Ian Press, was biased after his earlier warning. In a written decision, Press concluded that a lay observer might reasonably doubt his impartiality and therefore stepped aside. The case will be heard by a different judge on November 13.