Sam Wood, a fitness entrepreneur and former star of the reality television show The Bachelor, has been refused bail on domestic violence charges following an alleged incident in Noosa on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
Mr Wood, 46, who lives in Melbourne, was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation in a domestic setting, ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports. He appeared before the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon, where a magistrate denied his release.
Police allege Mr Wood became involved in a family argument on Saturday night before he assaulted and choked his wife.
Why it matters
The case involves a well-known Australian media figure and some of the most serious charges available under Queensland's domestic violence laws. Strangulation in a domestic setting carries significant penalties, and the prosecution's decision to oppose bail — combined with the magistrate's ruling — means Mr Wood will remain in custody while the matter proceeds through the courts.
The hearing also drew attention to how allegations of this kind are tested at an early stage, with prosecutors relying on recorded evidence and medical material rather than live testimony from the complainant.
What the prosecution told the court
Prosecutor Sergeant Jeanette Grigoris outlined the case against Mr Wood, telling the court the complainant's video-recorded statement amounted to strong evidence, according to ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
The complainant described fearing for her life during the alleged attack, Sergeant Grigoris said.
"She thought she was going to die, and she was in fear of her safety," the prosecutor told the court.
Sergeant Grigoris said the woman described being choked and having her head struck against the floor, and said she was unable to breathe. According to the prosecution's account, the alleged conduct stopped only when one of the children called out.
Mr Wood's adult stepdaughter contacted police through the Triple Zero emergency line to report what had allegedly occurred, the court was told.
The prosecution also argued that Mr Wood's own account of events supported its case while downplaying the seriousness of the allegations. Sergeant Grigoris told the court that he "essentially agrees with the prosecution's case but minimises the offending" and that he had effectively placed blame on the victim.
Photographs showing the complainant's injuries were submitted as evidence, along with a statement from a paramedic who attended the scene.
In arguing against bail, the prosecution raised concerns about whether Mr Wood would remain in Queensland to face the charges, noting that he had been in the area on holiday rather than living there.
The defence case
Mr Wood's lawyer, Mathew Cuskelly, told the court his client may have grounds for a self-defence argument, ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports.
Mr Cuskelly cited an affidavit from forensic psychologist Professor Ian Coyle, who assessed Mr Wood's depression as extremely severe. The lawyer argued his client should have the opportunity to work with mental health professionals.
He told the court that Mr Wood should be given the chance to protect what remained of his professional reputation and career, which he said was suffering considerable damage.
Mr Cuskelly also noted that this was Mr Wood's first contact with the criminal justice system at the age of 46.
How Wood appeared in court
Mr Wood sat quietly through the hearing with a neutral expression, according to accounts of the proceedings. He was unshaven and wore a dark green long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He bowed his head while the magistrate delivered the decision.
The matter returns to court at a later date, with Mr Wood remaining in custody in the meantime.
