Prominent fitness influencer and reality TV personality Sam Wood has been denied bail after appearing in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday to face serious domestic violence charges.
Mr Wood, 46, was remanded in custody following an alleged incident at a Noosa apartment on Saturday night. Police allege the Melbourne-based media figure assaulted and choked his wife, Snezana Wood, following a dispute after the couple returned from dinner.
Prosecutor Sergeant Jeanette Grigoris told the court that the victim feared for her life during the altercation. “The victim refers to she thought she was going to die, and she was in fear of her safety,” Sgt Grigoris said.
According to police, the argument escalated after Mr Wood became agitated when his wife wanted to pack for their scheduled flight home. Acting Magistrate Janelle Boegheim detailed the alleged sequence of events, stating that Mr Wood pushed his wife into a wardrobe before the situation moved into a hallway. When the victim’s daughter intervened and told Mr Wood to stop shouting, it is alleged he grabbed his wife by the throat and threw her against a wall, striking her head.
“Then, while keeping a firm hold of the alleged victim, he has thrown her to the ground, and whilst on the floor has held her throat, gripping tight and restricting her airway, preventing her from breathing,” Ms Boegheim said. The prosecution stated that the assault only ceased when another child in the home called out.
The victim’s adult daughter placed a Triple Zero call to alert emergency services. Sergeant Grigoris presented photographic evidence of the victim’s injuries and a statement from a responding paramedic, describing the complainant’s own video-recorded statement as “strong evidence.” She further noted that the victim remains in full support of the criminal charges.
In opposing bail, the prosecution argued that Mr Wood possessed the resources to flee the jurisdiction and posed a flight risk, as he was only in the region for a holiday.
Defense lawyer Mathew Cuskelly argued that his client had no prior criminal record and suggested that Mr Wood might rely on a self-defense argument at trial. Mr Cuskelly also highlighted his client’s severe depression, supported by an affidavit from a forensic psychologist, and argued that Mr Wood should be granted bail to engage with mental health professionals and attempt to manage the damage to his professional reputation.
Magistrate Boegheim ultimately refused the bail application, describing the police case as “relatively strong.”
Appearing via video link from custody, a dishevelled Mr Wood sat quietly for much of the proceeding. As the decision was delivered, he visibly slumped, holding his head in his hands. He has been remanded in custody until November 23.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call Triple Zero.
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