Former reality star and wellness influencer Sam Wood, a 46-year-old from Melbourne, has again sought bail before the Supreme Court of Queensland over domestic violence charges. Wood is charged with two offences: an assault causing bodily injury and strangulation in a domestic context. He has been in custody since his arrest on 4 October in Noosa and is held at the high-security Wolston prison near Brisbane.
Wood's initial bail application was rejected on the grounds that he allegedly strangled and assaulted his wife, Snezana Wood, while the family was on holiday on the Sunshine Coast. During that earlier hearing, the court heard that Snezana supports the charges and that she was allegedly strangled and that 'there was a cessation of breathing'. Prosecutor Jeanette Grigoris stated at the time that in a video-recorded statement, Snezana described being hit against the floor and being unable to breathe, as well as thinking she was going to die.
Wood has now launched a new bail application at the Supreme Court. The more serious charge, that of strangulation, places him in a so-called 'show cause' position, where there is a presumption against bail unless he demonstrates that he does not pose a risk of reoffending. Counsel Paula Morreau KC stated on Friday that there was no indication that Wood 'suffers from addiction', despite the Crown's claims that he had used drugs and alcohol and led a 'party lifestyle'. Morreau added that Wood proposed that, if bail were granted, he would reside in Tasmania, where his father lives, and that he would agree to a condition 'not to enter Victoria', where Snezana lives. In his earlier application, Wood had sought bail to reside in Melbourne.
Counsel noted that Wood had experienced 'significant stressors' and that he 'struggles with anger', but that in such situations he 'usually leaves and takes time'. She also argued that Wood 'demonstrates an ability to self-control'. The legal team proposed that Wood, if released, attend a male behaviour change course. Morreau also said that a 'close person' had offered 'very significant' surety that he would return to Queensland to face the charges. She argued that the trial could last more than a year and that there was a 'very real possibility' that, if he did not get bail, he would spend more time in custody before sentencing than he would receive if found guilty.
State prosecutor Jessica Guy stated that there were 'serious elements' in the allegations that Wood assaulted and strangled his wife. Guy said that Wood 'did not desist' and that the violence went beyond the application of force to her neck, including hitting her head against the floor and skirting boards. She also noted that the alleged violence occurred in the presence of an adult witness and in the immediate vicinity of young children, and that it was alleged that the perpetrator's behaviour escalated. Wood's legal team gave indications that he would contest the charges. Wood was not brought to the Friday hearing, and the bail hearing continues.
