Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
WARNING: sensitive content.
Former reality TV star Sam Wood has lodged a Court of Appeal bid challenging the decision to keep him behind bars while awaiting trial for domestic violence charges.
Mr Wood was on holiday in Noosa with his family in October when he was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence) and strangulation in a domestic setting following an alleged assault on his wife, Snezana Wood.
Mr Wood has indicated he will contest the charges. He has not yet entered a plea.
On Friday, he was denied bail for the second time and currently remains in custody on remand.
At his most recent bail hearing in the Brisbane Supreme Court, Justice Patrick McCafferty revealed fresh police allegations concerning the night of the incident.
“An argument commenced, not with (Ms Wood) but the other person who was a witness to the events,” Judge McCafferty said.
Mr Wood, who starred on The Bachelor, was said to have allegedly “consumed several drinks at dinner” before the argument over packing for the end of their holiday broke out.
As things escalated, the other woman allegedly closed the bedroom door before hearing “gasping” on the other side.
Ms Wood was then allegedly seen slumped forward.
On Tuesday, Mr Wood’s legal team lodged a fresh bid in the Court of Appeal to challenge Justice McCafferty’s decision to deny bail.
Mr Wood’s legal team will argue no proper consideration was given to how long the ex-Bachelor star could face behind bars while waiting for trial.
They will also argue the refusal to grant bail was unreasonable and unjust, claiming improper consideration was given to bail conditions that would acceptable reduce the risk of reoffending.
Last week, barrister Paula Morreau KC argued Mr Wood “has the capacity for self-control and willingness to avoid confrontation”.
She said Mr Wood’s alleged actions, while serious, did not compare to other more violent and extreme domestic violence matters in which previous defendants had been released on bail.
Ms Morreau said Mr Wood was at risk of serving more time on remand than would be required if found guilty or sentenced on the charges.
Mr Wood has spent about a month on remand.
He has requested an urgent hearing before the Court of Appeal but no date has been set.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.
