Sam Wood, a former reality television star and fitness entrepreneur, has been denied bail by a Queensland court following allegations that he strangled his wife during a family holiday in Noosa. The 46-year-old appeared via video link from police custody at Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday, where the court heard details of the incident and concerns about his potential risk to the community.
Wood was charged on Saturday night with assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation in a domestic setting. The alleged assault reportedly occurred after an argument between Wood and his wife, Snezana, on Hastings Street in Noosa. The dispute began when Snezana wanted to pack for their planned return to Melbourne, while Wood preferred to go to sleep. The confrontation escalated with Wood allegedly pushing Snezana into a wardrobe before grabbing her by the throat and throwing her against a wall. Snezana told police she feared for her life during the incident and feared she was “going to die.”
According to prosecution evidence, a stepdaughter, Eve Markoski-Wood, witnessed the altercation and tried to intervene. Police also presented photographs of Snezana’s injuries, along with a triple zero emergency call made by a family member. The prosecution advised the court that Snezana Wood supports the charges and wants them to proceed.
The court learned that police in Victoria had previously attended Wood’s home about three years ago following reports of a similar incident, though no formal complaint was made at that time out of fear of retribution, according to prosecution submissions. Wood denied that prior incident occurred but police referred to body-worn camera footage and reports from the earlier attendance.
Wood's lawyer, Matthew Cuskelly, contested the allegations, acknowledging some pushing and shoving but denying any stripping or choking. He indicated that Wood may mount a self-defense claim and contended that his client suffers from “extremely severe” depression. Cuskelly emphasized Wood’s lack of prior criminal history and proposed that, if granted bail, Wood would reside with his father in Victoria and engage with mental health professionals. The defence also highlighted the emotional toll the situation had taken on Wood and his family.
Acting Magistrate Janelle Boeghim declined bail, citing the complainant’s expressed fear, Wood’s mental health, and the strength of the evidence. She noted that the charges, if proven, were likely to result in imprisonment and that Wood had not demonstrated sufficient cause to justify bail. Police expressed concern that Wood had minimized the seriousness of the incident and the injuries sustained, characterizing his interview comments as victim-blaming.
Following Wood’s arrest, his business, 28 by Sam Wood, ceased its commercial relationship with him. DGB Health, which acquired his fitness brand in 2022, confirmed Wood’s indefinite leave amid the ongoing investigation, reiterating a zero-tolerance stance on domestic violence.
Wood is scheduled to appear in court again on November 23. Support services for those affected by domestic violence are available through organisations such as Full Stop Australia.