AFL player Noah Balta has avoided jail after pleading guilty to assaulting a man outside a regional venue in New South Wales. The Richmond defender was sentenced at Albury Local Court on Tuesday to an 18-month community corrections order, a $3,000 fine, and a night-time curfew.
The 25-year-old attacked Thomas Washbrook, 27, outside the Mulwala Water Ski Club on 30 December. CCTV footage showed Balta shoulder-charging the victim before punching him several times in the head, causing a three-centimetre cut to his forehead and a suspected rib fracture.
The court heard Balta misinterpreted Washbrook's attempt to calm his younger brother Oskar during an altercation. Balta, who had been on a pub crawl since 1.30pm that day, was described as intoxicated. He turned himself in to police on New Year's Day and has since paid Washbrook $45,000 in compensation.
Magistrate Melissa Humphreys said the attack was at the higher end of the medium threshold but noted Balta's age, lack of prior convictions, and genuine remorse. She stated that alcohol-fuelled violence must be denounced and that a six-match ban imposed by the AFL was insufficient punishment.
Balta must abstain from alcohol for the duration of the order and is banned from the Mulwala Water Ski Club. His legal team has sought an exemption from the curfew to allow him to play football. Through his club, Balta apologised, saying his actions were unacceptable and that violence is never the answer.
