3 days ago
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Sam Wood is spending his fourth night locked inside a bare-bones police cell as the former Bachelor star awaits a hearing that could determine whether he walks free on bail.
The 46-year-old fitness guru was arrested on Saturday night and is being held at Maroochydore Watchhouse on Queensland's Sunshine Coast - a short-term holding facility for people awaiting processing or their first court appearance.
Inside, the conditions are stark.
According to details published by The Daily Telegraph, standard cells contain little more than two concrete sleeping platforms fitted with thin mattresses, along with basic bedding.
A toilet and sink sit inside the cell, with only a partial wall providing privacy.
The solid door has a small plexiglass viewing panel and a hatch used to pass food and other items to detainees.
Sam Wood (pictured) is spending his fourth night locked inside a bare-bones police cell as the former Bachelor star awaits a hearing that could determine whether he walks free on bail
According to details published by The Daily Telegraph, standard cells contain little more than two concrete sleeping platforms fitted with thin mattresses, along with basic bedding. (Pictured: A Queensland watchhouse interior)
Maroochydore has 19 cells and 27 beds, as well as three bulk cells, two violent detention cells, an observation cell and four holding cells. (Pictured: A Queensland watchhouse interior)
There is also little privacy when using the toilet, with the partial wall only providing limited cover.
Meanwhile, the facility has faced serious concerns about its conditions.
A 2024 report by the Queensland Police Union identified persistent mould at Maroochydore Watchhouse, a history of scabies outbreaks and ongoing cockroach problems.
Maroochydore has 19 cells and 27 beds, as well as three bulk cells, two violent detention cells, an observation cell and four holding cells.
The facility is also currently under pressure, with Queensland Police Union figures indicating 23 people were being held there at 6am on Tuesday, against a capacity of 27.
That put the watchhouse at 85.2 per cent occupancy and in the union's workplace health and safety 'alert' category.
For Wood, there are few of the usual comforts while he waits for his next court appearance.
Legal Aid Queensland says people taken into police custody can be searched and have their belongings removed, while police can take fingerprints, photographs and other identifying particulars.
Legal Aid Queensland says people taken into police custody can be searched and have their belongings removed, while police can take fingerprints, photographs and other identifying particulars. (Pictured: Maroochydore Police Station)
Wood was arrested on Saturday night after police were called to a Noosa property following reports of an alleged domestic violence incident. At the time, the former Bachelor star was staying at a luxury beachfront resort on Hastings Street, where rooms can cost up to $3,000 a night (pictured)
Visitors are generally not permitted, although lawyers can attend.
Wood was arrested on Saturday night after police were called to a Noosa property following reports of an alleged domestic violence incident.
At the time, the former Bachelor star was staying at a luxury beachfront resort on Hastings Street, where rooms can cost up to $3,000 a night.
The exclusive strip is one of Noosa's most sought-after holiday destinations.
Wood was subsequently charged with assault occasioning bodily harm in a domestic violence context and strangulation in a domestic setting.
Wood has not been convicted of any offence and is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
If you need someone to talk to about domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT or visit White Ribbon Australia's website. In an emergency, call 000.
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