Trigger Warning: This article discusses domestic violence
Former Bachelor Australia leading man Sam Wood has been denied bail after facing Maroochydore Magistrates Court this afternoon on several charges of domestic violence following his arrest in Noosa over the weekend.
According to reports, police were called to a property along the coastal town’s popular Hastings Street on Saturday night, October 3rd, around 9 pm.
Police confirmed the 46-year-old man in question had been charged with assaulting occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence) and strangulation in a domestic setting. The victim/s of the incident were not identified in accordance with Queensland law.
Wood was refused bail and has remained in custody for five days before today’s court hearing, where he appeared via video link.
His lawyer, Mathew Cuskelly, has told AAP he intends to dispute the charges, arguing during the hearing that he may be entitled to a self-defence case.
“He’s simply worried about his family. A bail application will be heard on Thursday,” Cuskelly previously said. “The charges will be defended.”
What Happened During Sam Wood’s Bail Hearing?
During Wood’s bail hearing at Maroochydore Magistrates Court on October 8th, his lawyer reportedly argued that the fitness influencer could plead he was acting out of self-defence.
“My client may indeed be entitled to a self-defence argument,” he said. “He is indicating a set of circumstances that may result in that.”
He then told the court that the alleged incident that occurred on October 3rd was the result of a “hostile” encounter.
“Importantly, there is a denial in respect to any strangulation”, he told the court.”
It’s important to note that the alleged victim has given a recorded statement and supports the charges, but a witness statement is yet to be made.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Jeanette Grigoris told the court: “they have been in contact with the complainant … they are in support of the criminal charges.”
Photos of the alleged victim’s injuries from the evening were also presented to the court. Wood’s lawyer noted that despite a statement from a paramedic who attended the scene noting markings on the left side of the alleged victim’s neck, no photos were taken of the area.
“What is notable is the absence of any photographs of the neck area – given that that seems to be the central focus of the alleged assault, one would have assumed the investigators would have photographed that particular area,” he said.
The reality star-turned-fitness influencer rose to fame on the 2015 season of The Bachelor where he met his current wife, Snezana.
At the time, Snezana had one daughter, Eve, but has since welcomed three more children – daughters Harper, Charlie and Willow – with Wood.
In an official statement on the charges against her husband, Snezana said: “This is a difficult time for all of us, we are working through this as a family.”
The same statement appeared across Wood’s social media accounts, both personal and business, 28 By Sam Wood.
Mark Watkin, the acting chief executive of 28 Group also released a statement on behalf of the fitness company, revealing Wood had been placed on “indefinite leave”.
“We have all been shocked and saddened by the matters involving Sam Wood,” Watkin said.
“We have zero tolerance for domestic violence. While the matter is under investigation and before the court, Sam is on indefinite leave from his duties.
“Our thoughts are with the family and anyone in the community affected by domestic violence.”
If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 43 57 or visit lifeline.org.au.
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