Former Bachelor star Sam Wood has been transferred to Wolston Correctional Centre, a high-security prison in Brisbane’s west that houses male protection prisoners.
Mr Wood, 46, is on remand and has not been convicted of any offence.
He was initially being held at Brisbane Correctional Centre after police charged him with assault occasioning bodily harm, domestic violence, and strangulation in a domestic setting following an alleged incident involving his wife, Snezana, at Noosa on October 3.
He denies the allegations.
The Courier-Mail has reported that Mr Wood is currently under a safety order and subject to frequent checks.
Queensland Corrective Services describes Wolston, at Wacol, as a high-security centre for male protection prisoners.
It houses inmates who cannot safely be placed in the mainstream prison population. That can include high-profile prisoners, sex offenders, former public figures and unconvicted prisoners whose profile may make them a target.
Wolston has housed some of Queensland’s best-known offenders, including Robert Long, who was jailed over the Childers backpacker hostel fire that killed 15 people, and Vincent O’Dempsey, who was convicted over the murders of Barbara McCulkin and her two daughters, Vicki and Leanne.
The prison has also been linked over the years to Gerard Baden-Clay, who was convicted of killing his wife Allison Baden-Clay, and Brett Peter Cowan, who murdered Sunshine Coast schoolboy Daniel Morcombe.
The centre has faced scrutiny over prison safety, overcrowding and the management of inmates whose crimes or public profile place them at risk from other prisoners.
In 2016, Cowan was badly scalded at Wolston when another inmate poured boiling water over him in an attack that drew attention to the risks faced by high-profile prisoners even inside protection custody.
Mr Wood’s bail was refused last week during an application at Maroochydore Magistrates Court.
Police allege that during an argument at a Noosa holiday home, Mr Wood grabbed his wife by the neck, pulled her to the ground and restricted her breathing.
Prosecutor Sergeant Jeanette Grigoris told the 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 that there was cessation of breath,” Sergeant Grigoris said.
The court was told Mr 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,” Mr Cuskelly said.
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 Mr Wood living in Victoria while facing charges in Queensland.
“The strength of the evidence against the defendant is … relatively strong,” Ms Boegheim said.
Her Honour added that ruling on bail was not a finding of guilt.
Mr Wood’s transfer to Wolston comes as consequences of the allegations continue outside court.
The fitness entrepreneur, who found fame on The Bachelor Australia before building his 28 by Sam Wood business into a multimillion-dollar brand, has been cut loose by DBG Health.
“As a result of further considerations, DBG Health has now terminated all arrangements,” the company said this week.
Former associates and public figures have also distanced themselves while condemning domestic and family violence more broadly.
Mr Wood’s case is due back in court on November 23.