Former television star and fitness guru Sam Wood has made a second application for bail after a court heard allegations of drug and alcohol use, a “party lifestyle” and struggles with anger during his marriage.
Wood, 46, was arrested on October 3 following allegations of domestic violence at a holiday property on Hastings Street, Noosa, in Queensland. He faces charges of assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation in a domestic setting involving his wife, Snezana.
His new bail application was heard in the Brisbane Supreme Court on October 30. Wood was not required to attend either in person or by video link and has remained in custody since being refused bail at Maroochydore Magistrates Court on October 8.
Barrister Paula Morreau KC, who replaced Wood’s previous lawyer Mathew Cuskelly, told the court the couple’s relationship had been under “significant stressors” and marked by more frequent confrontations.
“They are expected to separate. There was alleged drug use, alcohol use and a party lifestyle but it is not suggested Wood suffered from addiction,” she said.
“While the applicant struggles with anger and irritation he usually leaves and takes time (and is) willing to avoid confrontation.”
Morreau argued Wood had no previous charges, adverse bail history or domestic violence order breaches. She proposed that he return to Tasmania to live with his father, where he had strong family and social connections.
Proposed conditions included reporting to police three times a week and attending a men’s behavioural change programme. Morreau also said Wood was recognisable and the risk of him travelling to Melbourne undetected was remote.
Allegations made during first bail hearing
Prosecutors opposed the application, primarily because of the seriousness of the alleged offending. The charges carry a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
The court previously heard that an argument allegedly began after the family returned from dinner, when Snezana wanted to pack for a flight home the next morning while Wood wanted to go to bed.
Wood is accused of yelling at Snezana and pushing her into a wardrobe before allegedly grabbing her by the throat, throwing her against a wall and then onto the floor. Prosecutors allege he restricted her airway and that she told police she feared she would die.
The alleged incident ended after Snezana’s daughter, Eve, 21, shouted out and later called emergency services. Police also presented photographs of injuries Snezana allegedly sustained.
Wood denies the allegations, including strangling his wife, and may argue that he acted in self-defence. He has not entered a plea and contests the charges.
Wood became known after appearing on The Bachelor Australia in 2015, where he met Snezana. He later built the 28 by Sam Wood fitness programme, which was reportedly sold in 2022 for more than $70 million while he remained its public face.
The platform was rebranded as evvr on Thursday, removing references to Wood.
