Bachelor star Sam Wood's lawyer seeks bail, cites alleged drug use and marital split
In Brisbane's Supreme Court, Sam Wood's attorney argued for his release on bail, mentioning alleged drug and alcohol use and that the couple plans to separate.
Sam Wood, known from the reality series "The Bachelor," appeared before the Supreme Court in Brisbane for a second bail hearing after spending nearly a month in custody at Wolston Correctional Centre. Wood faces domestic-violence charges related to an incident at a Noosa property on October 3.
His lawyer, Paula Morreau KC, contended that the magistrate who denied bail erred and asked that Wood be released on strict conditions, including residence with his father in Tasmania. During the hearing, Morreau disclosed that the couple are expected to separate and referenced allegations of Wood's drug and alcohol use and a party lifestyle, while noting that no addiction was suggested.
"While he struggled with anger and irritation he usually leaves and takes time (and is) willing to avoid confrontation," Morreau told the court.
Morreau argued that Wood had demonstrated suitable conditions to mitigate any risk of reoffending and that the legal standard for bail does not require exceptional circumstances, only that the risk be acceptable.
"Showing cause does not require showing exceptional or special circumstances. Rather it is whether he can show there is no relevant unacceptable risk to his release. Appropriate conditions … demonstrably reduce the relevant risks to an acceptable level," she said.
She also warned that Wood could face a longer period on remand than the eventual sentence if convicted. Wood has not entered a plea and continues to contest the charges.