Full Breakdown
Sam Wood denied bail again as Queensland Supreme Court cites risk of reoffending
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Core Event
On October 30, 2026, Justice Patrick McCafferty of the Brisbane Supreme Court refused a second bail application by former *Bachelor* star Sam Wood. Wood, 46, remains on remand at Wolston Correctional Centre while he faces two domestic-violence charges—assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation—arising from an alleged incident on October 3 at a Noosa holiday unit. The court found he had not demonstrated that he would not pose a risk of further offending, of interfering with witnesses, or of failing to appear.
02
Background & Context
Wood’s first bail application was denied on October 8 after an acting magistrate described the prosecution case as “relatively strong.” The Crown also cited an alleged 2021 strangulation incident in Victoria as evidence of escalating violence. Wood’s defence says the earlier allegation is untested and lacks corroborating evidence. A suppression order sought by Wood’s team was largely overturned on October 22, allowing media reporting of the earlier claim.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Key Figures & Groups
- Sam Wood — former reality-TV contestant, accused of domestic violence.
- Snezana Wood — wife and alleged victim, who provided a video-recorded statement describing choking.
- Justice Patrick McCafferty — Supreme Court judge who denied bail.
- Jessica Guy — Crown prosecutor, described the alleged assault as “extremely serious.”
- Paula Morreau KC — defence barrister, argued Wood has no prior convictions and can manage risk through proposed conditions.
04
Timeline
- October 3 – Wood arrested and charged.
- October 4 – Taken into custody at Wolston.
- October 8 – Initial bail denied.
- October 30 – Second bail denied; Wood has now spent 27 days in custody.
- October 22 – Court largely rejects Wood’s bid to suppress media reporting.
- November 4 (scheduled) – Further bail hearing.
05
Data & Statistics
- 27 days in custody as of October 30, 2026.
- Maximum penalty for the combined offences is seven years imprisonment; both sides anticipate a ? two-year head-sentence if convicted.
- The trial may not commence until late 2027 and could be delayed to 2028.
- A $1 million surety was offered by Wood’s father, Andrew Wood.
06
Official Statements & Responses
Justice McCafferty emphasized that the allegations remain “extremely serious” and that Wood had not satisfied the “show-cause” requirement for bail, noting the risk of reoffending and of interfering with witnesses. Crown prosecutor Jessica Guy highlighted “serious features” of the alleged assault, including prolonged strangulation and the presence of a step-daughter as a witness.
Defence barrister Paula Morreau argued Wood has never faced a charge, has no adverse bail history, and that proposed conditions—residing in Tasmania, reporting to police three times weekly, and attending a men’s behavioural-change program—would mitigate any risk. She warned that continued detention could result in a longer period on remand than the likely custodial term if convicted.
07
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Crown presented the 2021 Victoria allegation as evidence of escalating behaviour. Defence counsel countered that the claim is “untested” and lacks both a supporting witness and medical documentation, creating a factual dispute over its weight in assessing risk.
08
What’s Next
A further bail hearing is scheduled for November 4. The court will reassess whether revised conditions could address the identified risks. The projected trial timeline remains uncertain, with the earliest possible commencement noted as late 2027 and a possible delay to 2028.