Former reality-TV personality Sam Wood to appeal bail denial

Sam Wood, who appeared on the reality series "The Bachelor," has been denied bail twice after being charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation in a domestic setting. The charges stem from an alleged incident that occurred during a family holiday in Noosa, where Wood is accused of assaulting his wife, Snezana Wood, and threatening his daughter, Eve Markoski Wood.

Justice Patrick McCafferty, presiding over the most recent bail hearing, described the alleged events, noting that Wood had consumed several drinks before an argument erupted over packing for the end of the holiday. The judge said a witness reported that Wood threatened that both she and the witness could "both die" and that he would "send you back to your family." The witness later found Ms. Wood slumped on the floor after the bedroom door was opened.

Wood's legal team has filed notice to appeal the bail decision, arguing that the judge did not adequately consider the length of time Wood could remain on remand before trial and that the bail conditions proposed would mitigate any risk of reoffending. They contend the decision was unreasonable and lacked sufficient justification.

"He has the capacity for self-control and willingness to avoid confrontation," said barrister Paula Morreau KC during a previous bail application.

Morreau added that, while serious, Wood's alleged conduct does not compare to more extreme domestic-violence cases where defendants were granted bail. She warned that Wood faces the possibility of serving more time on remand than he would if convicted.

Proposed bail conditions include residence in Tasmania or, alternatively, in Queensland with a restriction on entering Victoria, where his wife and daughter live, effectively separating him from the family. Wood would be required to report to police regularly and attend a men's behavioural-change program. He has not entered a plea and continues to contest the charges.

The appeal could be heard as early as Friday at the Brisbane Supreme Court.