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Former judge says strict conditions could secure Sam Wood’s bail
A former judge and King’s Counsel predicts that Sam Wood may be granted bail at a hearing on 17 November, after two earlier applications failed. The article says he has been in custody for more than six weeks and reports that the barrister believes strict conditions could manage the risks raised by prosecutors and Wood’s estranged family.
The proposed conditions include staying out of Victoria, using only one mobile phone, avoiding encrypted apps and social media, reporting regularly to police, abstaining from alcohol and drugs, and submitting to spot tests. A $1 million surety has reportedly been offered. The article also recounts that Wood’s wife, Snezana, told police she feared retribution and described an alleged choking incident; the charges remain allegations.
In short
- A barrister expects Wood could win bail on 17 November.
- Proposed conditions include a $1 million surety and strict monitoring.
- His wife has said she fears retribution; the charges are allegations.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Bail could be justified if carefully tailored conditions can manage the specific risks prosecutors have identified while allowing Wood to await trial in the community. Regular police reporting, geographic restrictions, limits on communications, testing and substantial surety may provide safeguards, and lengthy pre-trial custody should not replace a risk assessment of whether those safeguards are adequate.
The case against
Bail may be inappropriate if the alleged conduct and the family’s reported fears point to a serious risk of harm, intimidation or reoffending that conditions cannot reliably control. Restrictions on location, phones and substance use depend on compliance and monitoring, and a substantial surety may not prevent a breach; continued detention could therefore be warranted if the court considers the risks too difficult to manage.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “Sam Wood will almost certainly walk free within weeks – despite Snezana fearing retribution and prosecutors warning he could ‘interfere’ with Eve: Former judge reveals extraordinary bail conditions that could secure his release”.