Shocking footage reveals Richmond defender Noah Balta’s Mulwala pub attack: Court

Shocking footage of Tigers premiership defender Noah Balta attacking a man outside a NSW pub has revealed he assaulted the man when he “had his back turned”. Watch the video.

Shocking footage of Tigers premiership defender Noah Balta attacking a man outside a New South Wales pub has revealed he assaulted the man when he “had his back turned”.

Facing the Corowa Local Court on Thursday in a black suit, the Richmond premiership star pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Balta attacked 27-year-old man Thomas Washbrook at the Mulwala Water Ski Club at 12.30am on December 30.

The victim 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.

Noah Balta, marking the ball in the 2024 Dreamtime match against Essendon, pleaded guilty to assaulting a man outside a pub. Pictire: Michael Klein

When the victim stood up, Balta pushed him once more before walking away.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Jason Tozer said it was an attack when a “man had his back turned” and he “landed on concrete”, adding it was “lucky” the victim’s head didn’t make contact with the concrete or Balta would have been sitting in a different courtroom.

The court heard Balta had completed an anger management program, a further behaviour change program and had abstained from alcohol since the offence.

Defence lawyer Belinda Franjic said the incident was quite clearly aggressive and was a completely misguided and inappropriate reaction to the situation.

She said Balta’s brother was in a confrontation when the Richmond player made a “significant error in judgement”.

Richmond premiership star Noah Balta faced the Corowa Local Court after being charged with a late-night assault at Mulwala in December 2024. Picture: Oscar Jaeger

The court heard Balta’s character references described him as a kind, caring and respectful “gentle giant”.

Ms Franjic also said Balta demonstrated “genuine shame and regret for his decision making” and was “deeply disappointed” in his actions as he understood he was a role model due to his career.

She said he was well placed and motivated to be rehabilitated.

Sgt Tozer said it was “by sheer luck” the injuries were not more serious, but conceded Balta co-operated with police and took responsibility for his actions.

“While there has been a large amount of remorse, his remorse to the most important person has not been forthcoming yet,” the prosecutor said in reference to the victim.

Richmond’s Noah Balta during training in March. Picture: Michael Klein

Noting the Tigers swingman was suspended by Richmond for four matches in the aftermath of his arrest by police, as well as missing two preseason matches, the prosecutor said it was an insignificant punishment compared to other professional athletes in similar situations.

“This court must send a message to the community that this type of conduct is unacceptable no matter who you are,” he said.

Magistrate Melissa Humphrey said she did not have enough time to deliver a sentence on Thursday, instead ordering Balta to appear at Albury Local Court on April 22.

Footage, obtained by Seven News, emerged in February of a beaten Mr Washbrook.

The video showed him with a swollen eye and a bloody forehead gash.

He can be heard saying: “Look at the big cut on my head.”

“I came out for a good night … hang out with some 18-year-olds and I get f--king flogged the f--k out for no reason, once again.”

“Happens to the big bloke every time,” the 27-year-old continues, “but it is what it is.”

It is understood Mr Washbrook has started civil proceedings seeking compensation for psychiatric distress, with his lawyer, John Suta, asserting his mental health is suffering.

In January, Richmond chief executive Shane Dunne released a statement.

“Noah deeply regrets being involved in the incident,” it read.

“After thorough consideration – which included discussions with the player leadership group – we arrived at a decision that reflects the seriousness of the incident and at the same time will help Noah address this behaviour.

“The club will continue to support him through this period and our collective hope, and expectation, is that we will see the best of Noah on and off the field from this point on.”

On Thursday the club declined to make a fresh statement.

The key defender, who can play up forward, signed a long-term deal in the off-season to keep him at Punt Rd until 2032.

Balta has played more than 100 games for the Tigers since debuting in 2019.