Former Bachelor star Sam Wood will remain in custody after Justice Patrick McCafferty denied his second bail application on Friday in the Brisbane Supreme Court. The 46-year-old faces charges of strangulation in a domestic setting and assault occasioning bodily harm following an alleged October 3 attack on his wife, Snezana Wood, during a family holiday in Noosa. Justice McCafferty ruled that Wood poses an “unacceptable risk” of further offending or interfering with witnesses.
Did You Know? Under Queensland’s new strangulation offence, the charge carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, a point Justice McCafferty highlighted when denying bail.
Noosa incident and “extremely serious” allegations
The court heard that the alleged assault occurred after Wood consumed several drinks at dinner and argued with his wife over packing for the end of their holiday. Justice McCafferty detailed allegations that Wood told Ms. Wood and another person they “can both die” and that he would “send you back to your own family.”
BREAKING: Former reality star Sam Wood has lost his second attempt at freedom. The 46-year-old will remain behind bars after being refused bail in Brisbane's Supreme Court. pic.twitter.com/fPCxwHOiJt
An adult witness reportedly closed a bedroom door and heard “gasping” before finding Ms. Wood slumped forward.
The Guardian reports that police prosecutor Jeanette Grigoris previously stated Ms. Wood described the banging of her head on the floor and believed she was going to die. Justice McCafferty described these accusations as “extremely serious,” though they remain allegations until tested at trial.
Defence arguments on “party lifestyle” and anger
Barrister Paula Morreau KC argued that while the Crown referenced a “party lifestyle” involving drug and alcohol use, there was no suggestion that Wood suffered from an addiction. Morreau contended that Wood possesses the “capacity for self-control” and a willingness to avoid confrontation.
The defence submitted that Wood would agree to attend a men’s behavioural change program and report to police if released. Morreau argued that the current case takes the complaint at “face value” and that some evidence may face admissibility issues during the trial.
To mitigate risk, the defence proposed that Wood reside at his father’s property in Tasmania. Morreau stated the risk of Wood traveling to Victoria undetected was “remote” because he is a “recognisable man.”
Competing views on risk and sentencing
Prosecutor Jessica Guy told the court that strangulation is viewed as a predictive risk factor for escalating domestic violence, including homicide. The Crown maintained that Wood’s alleged behavior made him an unacceptable risk to his wife and others.
Morreau countered that risk factors found in general research are not predictive for every individual. She argued that Wood is at risk of serving more time on remand than he would if convicted, as both sides agree a likely head sentence would be around two years, with parole eligibility after 12 months.
Wood remains in custody awaiting trial
Wood is currently being held at the high-security Wolston correctional centre. ABC News reports he has spent 28 nights in custody as of Saturday morning.
The timing of the trial remains a point of contention. Crown prosecutor Jessica Guy estimated a trial could be listed between May and August of next year. However, the court heard the trial might not actually take place until sometime between mid-2027 and the first quarter of 2028.
Fitness business rebrands after Wood's arrest
Wood gained national prominence on the third season of The Bachelor in 2015 and launched a fitness business, “28 By Sam Wood.” Nine.com.au reports he sold the business in 2022 for more than $70 million.
BREAKING: Sam Wood has been refused bail for the second time this month, after the Supreme Court in Brisbane rejected his application this afternoon. He will remain in custody over domestic violence charges and faces a maximum of seven years in prison if found guilty.10 News… pic.twitter.com/GBjcavZXc4
Following the charges, the fitness platform was rebranded as “evvr,” removing all references to Wood. His Instagram following has also declined, dropping from 253,000 at the time of his arrest to 229,000.
What charges does Sam Wood face?
What specific charges is Sam Wood facing?
Sam Wood is charged with assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence) and strangulation in a domestic setting. Both charges carry a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
Where was the alleged assault reported to have happened?
The incident allegedly occurred on October 3 in Noosa, Queensland, while the family was on holiday.
What was the outcome of the second bail application?
Justice Patrick McCafferty denied the application in the Brisbane Supreme Court, ruling that Wood presented an unacceptable risk to the safety of others and the integrity of the witnesses.
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