Sam Wood Denied Bail After Domestic Violence Charges

Prominent fitness influencer and reality TV personality Sam Wood has been denied bail on domestic violence charges. Police allege Mr Wood, who is from Melbourne, became involved in a family argument in Noosa on Saturday night before he assaulted and choked his wife, Snezana Wood.

Details of the alleged incident

The court heard the argument began after the couple returned to their apartment following dinner on Saturday night. Ms Wood wanted to pack for their flight home on Sunday, but Mr Wood wanted to go to bed, the court heard.

"The applicant yelled at her and pushed the alleged victim into the wardrobe within the bedroom," Acting Magistrate Janelle Boegheim said. "They both allegedly entered the hallway outside the bedroom where an alleged adult witness, the victim's daughter, had told the applicant to stop yelling at the victim."

Ms Boegheim said it was alleged Mr Wood "grabbed the alleged victim by the throat with one hand and thrown her against a wall in the hallway, 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," she said.

Court proceedings

Prosecutor Sergeant Jeanette Grigoris told the court on Thursday afternoon that "The victim refers to she thought she was going to die, and she was in fear of her safety". Sergeant Grigoris told the court the complainant's video recorded statement was "strong evidence".

"She does articulate there's choking … banging of her head on the floor, she couldn't breathe. The defendant only stopped when one of the children called out," Sergeant Grigoris said.

Mr Wood's adult stepdaughter made a Triple Zero call to police, the prosecution told the court. In opposing bail, the prosecution tendered photographs of the victim's injuries as evidence, as well as a statement from a responding paramedic.

Sergeant Grigoris said the complainant is "in support of the criminal charges". "[Mr Wood] was here on holidays … there is that risk he will not return to face the charges before the court," she told the court. "He does have the resources to essentially flee the jurisdiction."

Defense arguments

Mr Wood's lawyer told the Maroochydore Magistrates Court today Mr Wood "may be entitled to the self defence argument". "Mr Wood's depression is regarded as extremely severe," Mathew Cuskelly told the court, citing an affidavit by Professor Ian Coyle, a forensic psychologist.

"He ought to be given the chance to engage with mental health professionals to try to salvage something of his professional reputation and career, which is taking a hell of a beating at the moment," Mr Cuskelly said.

Mr Cuskelly said his client has "no prior criminal offending". "At 46 years old, this is his first interaction with the criminal justice system," he said.

Outcome

In refusing bail, Ms Boegheim described the police case against Mr Wood as "relatively strong". Mr Wood appeared via video link from custody. He was unshaven and wearing a dark green long sleeve shirt with his sleeves rolled up. He sat quietly with a neutral expression throughout the hearing, before sitting with his head bowed while the magistrate spoke.

When the decision was delivered, Mr Wood put his head in his hands. He was remanded in custody until November 23.