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Richmond AFL Player Noah Balta Pleads Guilty to Assault; Victim’s Life ‘Sheer Luck’ Save
Australian Football League (AFL) player Noah Balta, representing the Richmond Tigers, has admitted guilt to assault charges stemming from an incident in December 2024. The court heard that the victim narrowly avoided fatal injuries during the altercation, while Balta received a club-imposed suspension.
Guilty Plea and Courtroom Testimony
Noah Balta, a 25-year-old defender for the Richmond Tigers, entered a guilty plea for assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The incident occurred in Mulwala, NSW Riverina, on December 30, and resulted in the victim requiring hospital treatment for a head injury.
During the court proceedings at Corowa Local Court, prosecutor Sergeant Jason Tozer emphasized the severity of the assault. He stated that the 27-year-old victim was subjected to repeated punches and forceful throwing, highlighting the potentially lethal nature of the attack.
“Your Honour can observe that the victim becomes completely airborne, travelling a significant distance,” Sergeant Tozer explained. “It was purely by chance that his head did not collide with the concrete surface.”
The charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment in New South Wales.
Differing Views on Severity of Offense
While Balta’s defense acknowledged the seriousness of the event, they contended that the assault fell within the higher range of a mid-level offense.
Conversely, the prosecution argued forcefully that the nature of the attack met the criteria for a high-level offense, demanding a more significant consequence.
Character References and Remorse Expressed
Defence lawyer Belinda Franjic presented character references describing the AFL player as a ‘kind, caring gentle giant.’ She asserted to the court, “This offense is unequivocally out of character for Mr. Balta.”
The court heard that Balta had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol on the day in question and reacted impulsively upon witnessing his younger brother involved in a confrontation.
Ms. Franjic conveyed that Balta had demonstrated genuine regret for his actions. He had proactively sought professional assistance, including undertaking courses, to address the behaviors contributing to the incident.
It was noted that the Richmond player swiftly confessed to the assault and pleaded guilty, despite initially understating the number of punches delivered to the victim. “That account may not have been entirely precise,” his legal representative conceded.
Criticism of Club Sanction
The prosecution criticized the Richmond AFL club’s response to the assault, deeming the imposed four-match suspension as inadequate.
“The disciplinary action taken by the club is so insignificant as to be essentially irrelevant,” Sergeant Tozer asserted.
“The court has a responsibility to convey a clear message to the community that such behavior is unacceptable, irrespective of an individual’s status,” he added.
Sentencing Date Set
Noah Balta is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22.