Claims of drug use, anger issues and a “party lifestyle” have emerged in court as the barrister for former TV star and fitness guru Sam Wood made a second plea for bail.
Wood, who dropped his lawyer Mathew Cuskelly in favour of barrister Paula Morreau KC, made the new bail application in the Brisbane Supreme Court on October 30 though was not required to appear in person or by video link.
The 46-year-old was arrested over domestic violence allegations at a property on Hastings St in Noosa, Queensland, on October 3.
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He was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation in a domestic setting after allegedly assaulting his wife Snezana during a family holiday.
Wood was refused bail on October 8 at Maroochydore Magistrates Court following his arrest and has remained in custody since.
During the October 30 hearing, more details emerged about Sam and Snezana’s marriage. Credit: AAP
During Friday’s hearing, Morreau detailed the pair’s relationship, saying it had been “suffering with significant stressors and more frequent confrontations”.
More details about their marriage were revealed, as the court heard allegations of Wood’s drug use and struggles with anger.
“‘They are expected to separate. There was alleged drug use, alcohol use and a party lifestyle but it is not suggested Wood suffered from addiction,” Morreau told the court.
“While the applicant struggles with anger and irritation he usually leaves and takes time (and is) willing to avoid confrontation.
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“That’s an important component to assessing his risk.
“He is a man who has never before faced a charge; he has no adverse bail history; he has no prior domestic violence order or breaches thereof.”
Wood has been accused of throwing Snezana into a wall, choking her and banging her head on the floor at a holiday unit at Noosa, north of Brisbane.
Morreau also proposed that Wood return to Tasmania to live with his father, where he had strong family connections and social networks.
Morreau said Wood was a recognisable man and the risk he would travel to Melbourne undetected was remote.
Proposed bail conditions included Wood would report to police three times a week and he would attend a men’s behavioural change program.
Morreau agreed the charges, which have a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, were serious.
But claimed Wood was at risk of serving more time on remand than would be required if found guilty or sentenced on the charges.
Prosecutors opposed bail, primarily on the grounds of the serious nature of the alleged offending.
Wood has not yet made any plea and contests the charges.
MAROOCHYDORE, AUSTRALIA- NewsWire Photos- 08 OCTOBER, 2026 Court sketch of fitness guru Sam Wood is is currently under arrest for a domestic violence incident at Noosa last weekend NewsWire/Scott Breton Credit: NCA NewsWire
Initial bail hearing cites seriousness of the charges
Wood’s original bail appeal was denied by acting magistrate Janelle Boegheim in early October.
During Wood’s first hearing, the court heard the alleged incident began after the family returned from dinner, when Snezana wanted to pack for their flight home the following morning while Wood wanted to go to bed.
Boegheim told the court Wood allegedly yelled at Snezana and pushed her into a wardrobe.
The pair then moved into the hallway, where Snezana’s daughter Eve, 21, reportedly told Wood to stop yelling at her mother.
The court heard Wood allegedly moved aggressively towards Eve, prompting Snezana to step between them and tell him to leave her daughter alone.
Wood allegedly grabbed Snezana by the throat, threw her against a wall and then onto the floor, restricting her airway.
The court heard Snezana told police she feared she would die and had been choked to the “cessation of breath”.
The alleged incident stopped when Eve yelled out, and she later called triple-0.
During the earlier bail application, police prosecutor Jeanette Grigoris submitted photos of injuries Snezana allegedly sustained.
Wood denied the allegations and denied strangling his wife, and may argue self-defence, alleging Snezana moved towards him and continued yelling before he pushed her away.
Wood rose to fame on The Bachelor Australia in 2015, where he met Snezana, before building his successful fitness program 28 by Sam Wood.
He reportedly sold the business in 2022 for more than $70 million but remained the face of the online platform.
The platform was rebranded on Thursday as evvr, removing references to Wood.
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-0.
Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491.
— With AAP
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