Brief
Former reality star Sam Wood appears via video link as bail hearing proceeds
Wood denied strangulation and argued self‑defence while his lawyer highlighted gaps in police evidence.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Former reality‑TV personality and fitness guru Sam Wood appeared via video link at a Sunshine Coast court on Thursday, seeking bail after being charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation following an incident on Hastings Street in Noosa on Saturday evening.
Wood, 46, was seen in prison‑issued green clothing, hands clasped, and largely looking down as the courtroom, packed with more than a dozen journalists, heard arguments from his counsel, Mathew Cuskelly. Cuskelly said Wood faced a "hostile" complainant who was yelling, and that Wood pushed her but denied any strangulation.
The lawyer referenced a paramedic report that noted markings on the left side of the complainant’s neck, but pointed out that the prosecution had only tendered two photos of the victim’s injuries and none of the neck area, questioning why investigators had not photographed that focus of the alleged assault.
Police prosecutor Jeannette Grigoris told the court the complainant had provided a video‑recorded statement and remained "supportive of the charges". Wood was accompanied by his father, Andrew Wood, who flew from Tasmania and had submitted an affidavit in his favour. The family’s young children were sent back to school while the parents remained in custody.
In a statement released after Wood’s arrest, he and his wife Snezana described the situation as a "difficult time" and said they were cooperating with authorities.
Key facts
- Sam Wood appeared via video link at a Sunshine Coast court seeking bail. (smh.com.au)
- He faces charges of assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation from a Saturday incident in Noosa. (smh.com.au)
- Wood’s lawyer highlighted missing neck‑area photos and cited a paramedic report of neck markings. (smh.com.au)
- Police prosecutor said the complainant provided a video statement and supports the charges. (smh.com.au)
- Wood’s father flew from Tasmania and submitted an affidavit supporting his son. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Sam Wood: Photos of woman’s injuries tendered as fitness guru fights for bail on domestic violence charges”
