Former Bachelor Australia star Sam Wood denied bail over domestic violence charges
The fitness coach is accused of strangling and assaulting a woman while on holiday in Queensland.
Former Bachelor Australia star Sam Wood has been refused bail over domestic violence allegations and will stay in custody.
Wood was taken into custody on Saturday at a beachfront property on Queensland's Sunshine Coast and later charged with domestic violence assault and strangulation.
On Thursday, his lawyer told the court Wood may argue he was acting in self defence during a family dispute, but said he denies the strangulation allegation.
Wood, who lives in Melbourne but was holidaying in Noosa, appeared by videolink at Maroochydore Magistrates Court and sought bail after spending five nights behind bars.
Police prosecutors told the court the alleged victim had given a video statement saying she had been choked, could not breathe, and had her head slammed against the floor.
"She thought she was going to die," Sergeant Jeanette Grigoris said.
They also submitted photos of the alleged victim's injuries, along with a recording of a call to emergency services in which a witness says the woman was choked.
Grigoris added that the complainant supports the criminal charges.
Wood's lawyer Mathew Cuskelly argued there was not enough evidence to back the strangulation charge, which "seems unusual" given the "nature" and "gravity" of the allegation.
He also said his client had been involved in an argument, during which the complainant had been "hostile" when he pushed her - circumstances that could support a self-defence claim.
Cuskelly said Wood suffers from severe depression and argued he should be granted bail so he can access mental health support and protect his professional reputation, "which has taken a hell of a beating".
But Grigoris said there was a risk Wood could interfere with witnesses, reoffend, or fail to return to Queensland for court.
"This is a difficult time for all of us, we are working through this as a family and thoroughly co-operating with the authorities," the post said.
"DGB Health does not tolerate domestic violence in any form, and our thoughts are with people impacted by it," the company said.
Since the charges, several fitness influencers and corporate sponsors have also ended their ties with Wood, including fitness trainer Tiffiny Hall and Married At First Sight star Jules Robinson.
Wood rose to national attention during the 2015 season of The Bachelor Australia, where he met contestant Snezana Markoski.
They married in 2018 and have four daughters, including one from his wife's previous relationship.
Wood is next due in court on 23 November.