Former reality star seeks appeal of bail denial in domestic violence case

Mr. Wood, who typically lives in Melbourne, was arrested last month while staying at an apartment complex in Noosa. He faces charges of assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation, stemming from an alleged incident involving his wife, Snezana Wood.

His initial bail application was rejected on Friday, following a previous unsuccessful attempt. Lawyers have argued that Justice Patrick McCafferty’s decision to deny bail was “unreasonable or plainly unjust,” claiming the judge did not adequately consider the potential length of pre-trial custody or the effectiveness of proposed bail conditions in mitigating risk.

The court previously heard details of the alleged incident, where Mr. Wood, after consuming alcohol at dinner, reportedly engaged in an argument with his wife and 21-year-old stepdaughter. Prosecutors allege he made threats and physically assaulted his wife, including grabbing her throat and causing her to fall. Mr. Wood denies these allegations.

During the bail hearing, Mr. Wood’s lawyer, Paula Morreau KC, argued that he faced an excessive risk of prolonged pre-trial detention if convicted, suggesting a potential sentence of around 12 months. She proposed bail conditions including residency in Tasmania with family or at an approved Queensland property, along with a $1 million surety.

Justice McCafferty acknowledged the “extremely serious” nature of the allegations, emphasizing they remain unproven, but sided with the prosecution, deeming Mr. Wood an unacceptable risk for re-offending.

Beyond the bail denial, Mr. Wood’s legal team will also challenge Justice McCafferty’s decision not to impose a non-publication order regarding allegations from a separate incident in Victoria in 2021, which did not result in charges.