A Queensland court has heard claims that former Bachelor star Sam Wood used drugs and alcohol, engaged in a “party lifestyle” and that he “struggles with anger”, as Wood makes a second bid for bail on domestic violence charges. Wood, 46, from Melbourne, has been held in custody since his arrest on 4 October at Noosa. He was initially denied bail over allegations he choked and assaulted his wife, Snezana Wood, while the family was holidaying on the Sunshine Coast.
He is charged with two domestic violence offences: assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation in a domestic setting. His legal team have indicated he will fight the charges. During an initial bail hearing, a court heard Snezana was supportive of the charges, that she was allegedly choked and that “there was a cessation of breath”.
She couldn’t breathe,” police prosecutor Jeanette Grigoris told the earlier hearing. The more serious charge, related to strangulation, places him in a “show cause” position where there is a presumption against bail unless he can demonstrate he does not pose a risk of re-offending. On Friday Wood’s lawyer, Paula Morreau KC, said that there was no suggestion Wood “suffered from addiction” despite crown submissions that he used drugs and alcohol use and engaged in a “party lifestyle”.
Morreau said that if granted bail, Wood proposed to reside in Tasmania, where his father lives, and that he would agree to the condition “to not enter Victoria” where Snezana lives. At the earlier application, Wood had sought bail to reside in Melbourne. Morreau said Wood had been suffering “significant stressors” and that he “struggles with anger” but that in such situations “he usually leaves and takes time”.
Wood’s legal team proposed he undergo a “men’s behavioural change” course if released on bail. Crown prosecutor Jessica Guy said there were “serious features” to allegations that Wood assaulted and strangled his wife. Morreau argued that a trial on the charges could take more than a year, and that there was “a very real prospect” that if not bailed, Wood would spent more time in custody prior to sentence than would be imposed if he was found guilty of the charges.
Wood is now being held at the high-security Wolston correctional centre near Brisbane. He was not brought to the court for the hearing on Friday.
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