Former Bachelor contestant Sam Wood seeks Court of Appeal review after second bail denial

Former "Bachelor" participant Sam Wood has lodged a fresh application with the Queensland Court of Appeal, challenging a Brisbane Supreme Court ruling that kept him in custody while he awaits trial for assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation. The charges stem from an alleged incident that occurred in October during a family holiday in Noosa, where Wood is accused of assaulting his wife, Snezana Wood.

At a recent bail hearing, Justice Patrick McCafferty said new police allegations had emerged about the night of the incident, noting that an argument began with a third party who witnessed the events. > "An argument commenced, not with [Ms Wood] but the other person who was a witness to the events," the judge said.

Wood, who has not yet entered a plea, was denied bail for the second time and remains on remand, having spent about a month in custody. His legal team argues that the court did not adequately consider the length of time he could be detained before trial and that the bail conditions offered would mitigate any risk of reoffending.

Barrister Paula Morreau KC, representing Wood, contended that he possesses the capacity for self-control and a willingness to avoid confrontation, and that his alleged conduct, while serious, does not match the severity of other domestic-violence cases where defendants were granted bail. > "Mr Wood has the capacity for self-control and willingness to avoid confrontation," Morreau said, adding that he faces the risk of serving more time on remand than he would if convicted.

Wood’s appeal seeks an urgent hearing, though no date has been set.