Rohan Dennis may face reduced charge over Melissa Hoskins death | Video

Rohan Dennis, left, was alleged behind the wheel when his wife, Melissa Hoskins, was killed in an incident outside their home at the end of last year

Rohan Dennis has had his court appearance, in connection with the death of his wife Melissa Hoskins, postponed by six weeks as his legal team is negotiating with the prosecution about an apparent plea deal.

Dennis (34), who only retired from pro cycling last year, was due before Adelaide magistrates court on Wednesday to answer a charge of causing death by dangerous driving or driving without due care. Those charges carry maximum terms of imprisonment of 15 years or 12 months, respectively, in the event of a conviction.

The accused's legal team requested an adjournment - which was granted to December 10th - meaning Dennis did not enter a plea to either charge on Wednesday. However, when he appears in court again in six weeks, he was expected to indicate how he is pleading.

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It was not immediately clear if he may only face the lesser charge, though it has now been confirmed negotiations have been underway, and are now set to continue, over the charges in the case.

Ms Hoskins, the former track world champion and Olympian, was laid to rest in Fremantle Cemetery in Perth in mid January, almost three weeks after she was killed in the vehicle-related incident outside her home in Medindie, Adelaide, on December 30th.

Ms Hoskins had represented Australia at the Olympics in London and Rio, in 2012 and 2016 respectively.

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She was world champion in the team pursuit in 2015 and also won two silvers and a bronze riding the same event for Australia at the World Track Championships in 2012, 2013 and 2014. She also secured a silver medal in the scratch race at the Worlds in Melbourne in 2012.

The 32-year-old was also a very accomplished road rider, winning two silvers and a bronze in the TTT at the World Road Championships between 2012 and 2014. On the road she also won two stages and the overall at Tour of Chongming Island (2.1) in 2012.

Ms Hoskins competed for Oirca-AIS for four years up to her retirement in 2015. The team was a UCI Continental squad that was part of the team now known as Team Jayco AlUla.

Dennis was arrested and questioned but was released on bail after being charged pending his first court appearance earlier this year. He retired from pro cycling at the end of last year, finishing his career with a two-year stint at Jumbo-Visma.

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