Former reality television personality Sam Wood has been denied bail following a court hearing in Brisbane regarding serious domestic violence allegations. The 46-year-old, who was arrested last month at a Noosa apartment complex, remains in custody after Justice Patrick McCafferty ruled that he posed an unacceptable risk to the safety of others.
Allegations of Domestic Violence
The charges stem from an incident on October 3 at a Noosa property, where Mr. Wood is accused of assaulting his wife, Snezana Wood. Prosecutors allege that during an argument, Mr. Wood pushed his wife into a door and subsequently strangled her, causing her to struggle for breath. The court heard allegations that Mr. Wood also threatened his wife and stepdaughter during the altercation.
While Mr. Wood has denied the allegations, the Crown argued that his behavior shows an escalating pattern of violence. Prosecutors highlighted a previous alleged strangulation incident involving the couple in Victoria five years ago, as well as concerns regarding Mr. Wood’s alleged drug and alcohol use.
Bail Application Rejected
During the hearing, Mr. Wood’s defense team proposed that he be granted bail to reside in Tasmania, arguing that he has demonstrated the capacity for self-control in the past. His barrister, Paula Morreau, contended that the previous allegations from 2021 were untested and that the current charges did not warrant a denial of bail.
Justice McCafferty ultimately sided with the prosecution, stating that the application failed to prove Mr. Wood would not pose a risk to the safety of others, commit further offenses, or interfere with witnesses. The judge emphasized that while the charges remain allegations, they are "extremely serious."
Mr. Wood, who has spent 27 days in custody, also saw his request to suppress media reporting on his past alleged offending and the identities of his supporters rejected by the court. He faces charges of assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation.
