AFL player Noah Balta has avoided jail time following an assault conviction, but is now subject to a Community Corrections Order that includes a 10pm curfew for three months. The Richmond defender was sentenced in Albury Local Court and also received a $3000 fine and a ban on alcohol consumption. Balta, 25, had previously pleaded guilty to assaulting a man in December 2022 in Mulwala, NSW, which resulted in the victim being hospitalised with a head injury.
During the court proceedings, Prosecutor Jason Tozer highlighted the severity of the incident, indicating that the victim was lucky to escape more serious injury. CCTV footage captured Balta taking the victim down and striking him multiple times, with the prosecutor noting the potential risk of the victim hitting his head on the concrete.
Although Balta’s defence acknowledged the seriousness of the assault, they argued that it was at the higher end of a mid-level offence, while the prosecution contended that it qualified as a high-level offence. The court was presented with character references describing Balta as a “kind, caring gentle giant” and claimed that such behaviour was uncharacteristic of him. Balta had missed the start of the season due to his suspension but made a return during Richmond’s recent victory over the Gold Coast Suns.
In summary, Noah Balta’s assault case has led to significant legal repercussions, including a curfew that may impact his participation in night matches. Despite the troubling nature of the incident, his defence aims to present him as a person of good character in light of the situation.