Breaking: Former Bachelor Sam Wood loses bid to block media from court files

Former Bachelor Sam Wood loses bid to block media from court files Former Bachelor Sam Wood has lost his first bid to block media from seeing court files relating to his domestic violence bail proceedings. The 46-year-old did not front court alongside his lawyers today, as they sought a non-publication order in the Brisbane Supreme Court. The order aimed to restrict journalists' access to documents, which include affidavits from people supporting Mr Wood's bid for freedom, while his charges progress through court. Instead Justice Patrick McCafferty agreed to temporarily suppress only the names, addresses and other identifying details of the people named in the documents, including the address where Sam Wood would live if his bail application is successful. Yesterday the 46-year-old's defence team also filed an application for his bail in the Supreme Court. Mr Wood will learn the outcome next week, with his bail hearing brought forward from November 4 to next Friday. His suppression order application will be heard at the same time. Until then, media will be allowed to report the contents of redacted versions of the documents, and Sam Wood will remain behind bars. The development comes after Mr Wood's first attempt at bail was denied on the Sunshine Coast on October 8, four days after he was charged with an alleged violent assault on his wife Snezana Wood. The couple first met on the 2015 season of reality dating show The Bachelor. Wife 'stopped breathing' On October 4 Sunshine Coast police arrested and charged Mr Wood with assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation in a domestic setting, relating to an incident alleged to have taken place at a luxury apartment in Noosa. Police allege Mr Wood and his wife returned from a dinner and got into an argument, when the 46-year-old pushed and choked his wife to the point her breathing stopped. In an earlier proceeding at Maroochydore, the court heard Mr Wood allegedly banged his Ms Wood's head on the floor, that she "was in fear of her safety", and that she thought she "was going to die". In arguing why Mr Wood should not have been released on bail earlier this month, prosecutors pointed to a similar earlier alleged incident in Victoria three years ago, stating his behaviour had escalated. His next bail hearing will be heard on November 4 in the Brisbane Supreme Court. No presumption of bail In Queensland, cases involving allegations of strangulation do not carry the same presumption of bail as other less serious criminal charges. Instead, Mr Wood's defence team will have to demonstrate why he should not continue to be held in custody. Previously, his lawyers argued for his release so he could access mental health treatment for his severe depression, and to "salvage" his reputation and career. Mr Wood continues to deny the serious allegations made by his wife, and her daughter who allegedly witnessed the incident. Today the judge brought forward Mr Wood's bail hearing from November 4 to next Friday, October 30. His suppression order application will be heard at the same time. Until then, media will be allowed to report the contents of redacted versions of the documents, and Sam Wood will remain behind bars. Loading