Sam Wood seeks bail after alleged assault on wife

Former reality television star Sam Wood, 46, has made a new bail application following his arrest for allegedly strangling and assaulting his wife, Snezana. The court hearing focused on Wood’s alleged drug use and 'party lifestyle' as part of the bail consideration.

Wood was charged with strangulation and assault occasioning bodily harm after the alleged incident during a holiday in Noosa, Queensland. He has been in custody since October 3, with his first bail request denied shortly after.

In the latest bail hearing, Wood’s barrister, Paula Morreau KC, described the couple’s relationship as 'suffering with significant stressors and more frequent confrontations.' She highlighted Wood’s alleged drug and alcohol use, but noted there was no indication of addiction.

Morreau stated that Wood had a history of anger but typically avoided confrontation. She argued that his willingness to leave such situations was a key factor in assessing his risk for release. She also mentioned that Wood had no prior history of domestic violence.

The prosecution, led by Crown prosecutor Jessica Guy, opposed Wood’s release, citing the severity of the alleged conduct. Guy stated that Wood had choked his wife for an extended period, preventing her from breathing or speaking, and continued to hold her even after she tried to free herself.

The court was told that Wood pushed his wife into a wardrobe, leading to an argument in the hallway where his stepdaughter, Eve Markoski-Wood, intervened. Wood allegedly approached Eve aggressively, prompting his wife to step in and place herself between him and his daughter. He then grabbed her by the throat, threw her against the wall, and struck her head before throwing her to the floor.