Queensland Supreme Court Denies Sam Wood’s Second Bail Bid on Domestic-Violence Charges

Queensland’s Supreme Court refused Sam Wood’s second application for bail on Friday, October 30, leaving the television personality and fitness entrepreneur in custody. Justice Patrick McCafferty delivered the ruling in Brisbane as Wood faces charges of assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation in a domestic setting. Wood, 46, denies the allegations and has not yet entered a plea. McCafferty found that the application had not demonstrated Wood would avoid unacceptable risks to others’ safety, further offending or interference with witnesses. The judge described the accusations as extremely serious, while stressing that “they remain allegations”. Wood did not attend Friday’s hearing in person or by video. Prosecutor Jessica Guy opposed his release, arguing that the alleged violence and earlier alleged conduct presented a risk of further offending. Defence barrister Paula Morreau KC argued that proposed conditions could reduce the risks. The defence proposed that Wood live with his father in Tasmania, stay away from Victoria, where his wife lives, and attend a men’s behaviour-change course. Morreau argued that he had shown a capacity for self-control. The charges concern alleged conduct during a family holiday in Noosa, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, on October 3. Wood had previously been refused bail in Maroochydore Magistrates Court before taking his application to the higher court. Friday’s decision leaves him in custody while the criminal proceedings continue.