Richmond player Noah Balta sentenced for Mulwala pub attack
Richmond premiership player Noah Balta has walked free from court after assaulting a man who “had his back turned” outside a NSW pub — but he has to be home by 10pm.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A NSW magistrate has effectively handed convicted Richmond premiership player Noah Balta a longer ban from playing senior football after slapping him with a night-time curfew that could force him to miss a further four games.
The Tigers star pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm in Corowa Local Court in January before appearing in the Albury Local Court on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old was fined $3000 and slapped with a 18-month CCO with a three-month 10pm to 6am curfew and conviction for the attack on 27-year-old Thomas Washbrook at the Mulwala Water Ski Club at 12.30am on December 30.
The order included abstaining from alcohol, not committing further offences, appearing before court if called, not entering the Mulwala Ski Club and completing the Motivating Affect Self Control Program.
The court heard Balta had paid $45,000 in compensation to the victim.
With the curfew starting at 10pm, if Balta were to play a night game in Melbourne, it’s most likely he would have to leave early in the second half to make it home before the curfew comes into force.
It also throws into doubt interstate games, and although the Richmond Football Club confirmed it would not argue against the curfew, it did not comment further about its plan to manage Balta’s situation.
He is most likely to miss at least four upcoming games — Melbourne (Round 7), Essendon (Round 11), GWS (Round 12) and West Coast (Round 19) with the date and starting times from round 16 still to be determined.
The weekend of Round 11 appears the only weekend Balta will not be able to play at any level with the team’s VFL outfit also having a night match fixture against Essendon.
Balta released a statement via the club on Tuesday afternoon.
“I apologise to the victim, my family and friends, and everyone associated with the Richmond Football Club,” he said.
“I have let a lot of people down and the lesson has been learned that violence is never the answer.
“I will continue to work to improve myself to ensure this never happens again.”
Richmond chief executive Shane Dunne said “education and counselling” for Balta would be ongoing.
“Noah has been held accountable for his actions and has paid a significant price as he should,” Dunne said.
“This club does not condone violence in any form, and it is why we took such a strong and immediate stand when this incident came to light.
Balta’s lawyer was told the curfew was firm unless he was seeking medical treatment.
The court heard after the attack Mr Washbrook was taken to nearby Yarrawonga Hospital with a bloody gash on his forehead and Balta was charged by NSW Police the next day.
Footage played to the court showed about seven people arguing in a car park before Balta ran at Mr Washbrook, pushing him to the ground and punching him.
When the victim rose back to his knees, Balta punched him once more before walking away.
It is understood the verbal altercation began after comments made about pizza.
Mr Washbrook suffered a 3cm laceration on his forehead, a lump to the back of his head and chin, grazing on his right elbow and knee and pain to his hip and ribs.
The court heard Balta had completed an anger management program, a further behaviour change program and had abstained from alcohol since the offence.
Magistrate Melissa Humphreys said Balta used “excessive force” when he attacked Mr Washbrook.
She said the attack was “unprovoked”.
The court heard Balta’s father as well as former Richmond coach Damien Hardwick and president John O’Rourke were among those who provided character references.
Ms Humphreys said Balta was unlikely to reoffend in the same manner and had positive prospects of rehabilitation.
“The court notes he is a young offender, has without direction of court engaged in rehabilitation, is a person who has expressed and shown genuine remorse, and is highly motivated to address issues that underpin his offending,” she said.
“Violence in the community must be denounced, and denounced adequately by the courts.”
Matt Cronin, who started the Pat Cronin Foundation after his son was killed in a one-punch attack, said the sentence was in line with what he expected.
He added that the curfew was an “interesting” addition to the punishment, and was “a bit stronger” than just the CCO.
“It’s what we do next is the important thing and how do we use this as an example to educate more and more people you know about the dangers of doing what he’s done,” Mr Cronin said.
Caterina Politi, who founded “STOP. One Punch Can Kill” for her son David Cassai who was killed in 2012 said she was glad Balta received a conviction.
“Well, it’s the consequences of behaving badly. There’s got to be consequences and it will reinforce what he’s done,” Ms Politi said, adding that the curfew would “really reinforce the message”.
The AFL said the outcome in such a scenario could have been far more detrimental.
“His actions on that night are something we never wish to see in any setting, by anyone, at any time,” it said in a statement.
“Balta’s conduct could have resulted in a much more serious outcome, his actions do not represent behaviours acceptable to anyone in our game or our community and he must continue to take responsibility for them.”
The Tigers swingman was suspended by Richmond for four matches in the aftermath of his arrest by police, as well as missing two pre-season matches.
He played a vital role in Richmond’s surprise 11-point win over the Gold Coast Suns — led by Balta’s old coach in Damien Hardwick — on Saturday night at the MCG.
Balta, listed at 194cm and 100kg, picked up 14 touches and the Herald Sun had him among the best players for the Tigers on the night.
Earlier, Premier Jacinta Allan asked the AFL and Richmond to explain their decision to let Balta play football.
“How does the AFL and the Richmond Football Club answer that question about what’s going on here? What sort of message does this send to kids about what’s right and what’s wrong?,” she said.
Balta has played more than 100 games for the Tigers since debuting in 2019, and signed a long-term deal in the off-season to keep him at Punt Rd until 2032.
More Coverage
Originally published as Richmond player Noah Balta sentenced for Mulwala pub attack
‘Stupid’ AFL star breaks his silence
Richmond defender Noah Balta has spoken for the first time since he was spared jail time for assault, apologising for his actions.
‘Got it so wrong’: Hawk learns his fate
Hawthorn star Conor Nash has been handed his punishment over his shocking Easter Monday act against Geelong at the MCG.