Former Bachelor star Sam Wood denied bail in domestic violence case
A Brisbane Supreme Court judge refused bail for former reality-TV personality Sam Wood on assault and strangulation charges, ordering him to remain in custody until his next hearing.
Sam Wood, 46, was refused bail on Friday by Justice Patrick McCafferty in the Brisbane Supreme Court after his earlier bail application in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court was rejected. The former Bachelor star faces charges of assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation stemming from an alleged incident on October 3 in Noosa, where police say he attacked his wife, Snezana Wood.
According to the Crown, Wood had consumed several drinks before an argument escalated, during which he allegedly shouted threats and a bedroom door was closed by an adult witness before Ms Wood was found slumped on the floor. Wood has not entered a plea and says he will contest the charges.
Barrister Paula Morreau KC argued that the magistrate’s earlier decision was erroneous and that Wood could comply with bail conditions despite references in the Crown’s case to alleged drug and alcohol use and a “party lifestyle.” She said Wood “has the capacity for self-control and willingness to avoid confrontation” and that the offences, while serious, are not the most severe domestic-violence cases where bail is routinely granted.
“I concede the offences are serious. I don’t reduce or diminish that concession … they are not the most serious by which bail is routinely granted by this court.”
Morreau highlighted that evidence of the alleged assault may face admissibility challenges at trial and noted that research linking strangulation convictions to higher risk of future violence does not predict outcomes in individual cases.
“Risk factors observed in research and data is not of course predictive in an individual case, with every individual.”
She also questioned the Crown’s estimate that a trial could be completed within twelve months, describing it as unrealistic, and argued that Wood’s proposed bail conditions would mitigate any risk to the complainant.
Proposed conditions include residence in Tasmania—or, if that is unsatisfactory, in Queensland with a restriction on travel to Victoria—regular police reporting, and participation in a men’s behavioural-change program. Morreau said Tasmania Police are equipped to monitor Wood and coordinate with Queensland Police on any breaches.
“The risk that he could travel to Melbourne undetected … is remote.”
Morreau added that Wood has no prior bail history, has stable employment and family support, and would be able to attend required court appearances.
The judge’s decision means Wood will remain in custody while the case proceeds.