Former Bachelor star Sam Wood seeks bail in Queensland domestic-violence case

A Queensland Supreme Court hearing on Friday considered a second bail application from Sam Wood, 46, who has been in custody since his arrest on 4 October following allegations of choking and assaulting his wife, Snezana Wood, while on holiday on the Sunshine Coast. Wood faces two domestic-violence charges: assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation in a domestic setting.

Prosecutor Jeanette Grigoris recounted the victim’s statement, noting that Snezana described being choked, experiencing a cessation of breath and hitting her head on the floor. She said she feared for her life.

"She articulates [in a video-recorded statement] the banging of her head on the floor. She couldn’t breathe," Grigoris said.

Crown prosecutor Jessica Guy highlighted what she described as “serious features” of the allegations, stating that the violence continued beyond the neck to include head-banging, occurred in the presence of an adult witness and near young children, and appeared to have escalated.

"[Wood] didn’t desist. The violence extended beyond the application of force to her neck, to the banging of her head to the floor of the skirting boards," Guy said.

Wood’s lawyer, Paula Morreau KC, argued that there is no evidence of drug addiction and that Wood would comply with bail conditions, proposing residence in Tasmania away from his wife’s location in Victoria. Morreau also suggested Wood could attend a men’s behavioural-change program if released.

"He shows he has the capacity for self-control," Morreau said.

The court was informed that a close associate has offered a substantial surety to ensure Wood’s return to Queensland for trial. Morreau warned that a trial could extend beyond a year and that Wood might spend more time in custody awaiting trial than he would receive if convicted.

Wood remains detained at Wolston Correctional Centre near Brisbane and was not present at the hearing. The bail application is ongoing.