Supreme Court Denies Sam Wood’s $1M Bail Request Amid Domestic Violence Allegations

Former The Bachelor star Sam Wood has been denied bail by the Queensland Supreme Court amid serious allegations of domestic violence. The court heard disturbing claims that during a confrontation in Noosa, Wood allegedly threatened both his wife Snezana and her daughter Eve, saying, “you can both die. I’m going to send you back to your family.”

Despite a $1 million surety offered by Wood’s family, Justice Patrick McCafferty ruled against bail on Friday, asserting that the proposed conditions were insufficient to mitigate the risk of reoffending or posing a threat to the community. Justice McCafferty characterized Snezana’s testimony as highly credible and supported by witness accounts detailing the alleged attack, where Snezana was reportedly choked and pushed against a wall.

During the hearing, it was revealed that an internal witness in the Noosa apartment heard sounds of struggle, describing “gasping and a voice becoming muffled” as the alleged assault took place. The judge noted Snezana’s distress during the incident, where she felt she couldn’t breathe or scream, before eventually collapsing.

Wood’s persistent risk of reoffending was cited as the primary reason for denying bail. Justice McCafferty emphasized this concern, stating, “I do consider he presents a risk of committing an offence on bail.”

‘Party Lifestyle’ and Personal Turmoil

The court also examined Wood’s lifestyle leading up to the incident, including allegations of substance abuse and frequent violent confrontations. His attorney, Paula Morreau, argued for Wood’s release to his father’s home in Tasmania, asserting that living away from the location of the incident would significantly reduce any risks.

Since his arrest on October 4, following a reported altercation in a luxury holiday apartment, Wood has remained in custody. Morreau highlighted that continued remand could lead to Wood spending more time incarcerated than if convicted.

The couple’s relationship has come under scrutiny, with claims of drug and alcohol involvement as well as previous incidents of violence. Reports indicate that Snezana expressed significant strain in their marriage leading up to the violent incident.

Wood was charged with domestic assault and strangulation, stemming from the October 3 incident reported by Eve, who called the police after allegedly witnessing her mother’s distress. Since then, Snezana has been seen without her wedding ring, and the couple’s multimillion-dollar home in Brighton, Victoria, has been put up for sale.

Throughout the proceedings, evidence was presented regarding Wood’s violent behavior, including past incidents of choking in 2021, which prosecutors claim indicate an escalation in his conduct. The police’s concern centered around the serious nature of strangulation as a predictor of future domestic violence.

In earlier court sessions, photographs of Snezana’s injuries were submitted, reinforcing the gravity of the allegations against Wood. Defense attorney Mathew Cuskelly argued that Wood had no previous criminal record and that certain claims could potentially fall under self-defense, due to the “hostilities” described.

Following his initial bail denial in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court, Wood’s legal team pursued a higher court appeal, only to have it dismissed again due to the strength of the evidence presented.

Wood gained public attention in 2015 as the star of the third season of The Bachelor and later built a successful fitness business that he reportedly sold for over $70 million in 2022. However, his current situation indicates a stark decline from his previous lifestyle.