Snezana Wood has been seen in public for the first time since her husband and The Bachelor star Sam Wood was charged with several domestic violence-related offences.
Police charged Wood with assault occasioning bodily harm, domestic violence and strangulation in a domestic setting following an alleged incident involving Snezana in Noosa on October 3.
He has denied the allegations, was refused bail last week and is being held on remand at Wolston Correctional Centre, a high-security prison in Brisbane’s west.
On Tuesday, Snezana was photographed without her wedding ring during an outing in Melbourne where she attended one of her daughter’s dance concerts and met a friend at a cafe.
In the photos published by the Daily Mail, the 46-year-old sported a casual yet chic outfit consisting of a thick coat layered over a white shirt and leggings.
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She attempted to keep a low profile in a brown cap with her hair down.
Another photo showed Snezana meeting her friend, who hugged her tightly before they made their way to a cafe, where they were seen getting takeaway drinks.
The sighting comes after the mother-of-four celebrated her birthday at the weekend with a small gathering of close friends and her children, the Mail reported.
Sources told the outlet that the “deliberately understated” party wasn’t a shock to Snezana’s loved ones, with friends saying the family hoped to maintain as much privacy as possible following Wood’s arrest.
Police allege that during an argument at a Noosa holiday home, Wood grabbed his wife by the neck, pulled her to the ground and restricted her breathing.
The alleged altercation was witnessed by Snezana’s daughter Eve, 21, who called triple-0.
Prosecutor Sgt Jeanette Grigoris told the Maroochydore Magistrates Court: “She told police she thought she was going to die and she was in fear of her safety.
“It is strong evidence in terms of the offence; (the complainant) does articulate the choking and that there was cessation of breath.”
The court was told Wood told police there had been “an argument in the bedroom” and agreed there was “pushing and shoving”, but denied any choking.
Defence lawyer Mathew Cuskelly told the court: “Importantly, there is a denial in respect to any strangulation.
“He is indicating a set of circumstances that may result in that.”
In refusing bail, acting magistrate Janelle Boegheim found the risks had not been sufficiently addressed, including concerns for the alleged victim’s safety and the practical issue of Wood living in Victoria while facing charges in Queensland.
The fitness entrepreneur, who found fame on The Bachelor before building his 28 by Sam Wood business into a multimillion-dollar brand, has been terminated from his job while fellow reality TV stars have distanced themselves from him.
Wood is set to face court again on November 23.