Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
AFL Greenlights Noah Balta’s Return Before Sentencing for Assault Case
Richmond player Noah Balta has been permitted by the AFL to resume playing duties even as he awaits sentencing for an assault outside a NSW Riverina venue. Balta, who pleaded guilty to assault, is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22 following the incident involving a 27-year-old man near the Mulwala Water Ski Club. The Richmond Football Club previously suspended Balta for four matches, a sanction endorsed by the AFL after the December 30 incident.
Balta Cleared to Play After Serving Club Suspension
This suspension has now concluded, making Balta eligible to participate in Richmond’s round-five match on April 13. AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon stated that the league is “comfortable” with Balta playing prior to his court sentencing.
“By the time Noah is eligible to play again, he will have served a four-week AFL suspension, in addition to missing several weeks of practice matches,” Dillon informed reporters in Adelaide on Tuesday.
“Ultimately, the decision of whether to select him for the AFL or the VFL side rests with Richmond.”
AFL Stands by Initial Suspension
Dillon confirmed that the AFL would not intervene further before Balta’s sentencing. “We have collaborated with Richmond and are satisfied with both the suspension and the time Noah has already served… we are comfortable with Richmond’s handling of the matter,” Dillon reiterated.
Prosecution Criticizes Club’s Sanction as “Minimal”
During Balta’s court hearing last Thursday, the prosecution strongly criticized the four-match suspension imposed by Richmond and sanctioned by the AFL.
“The action taken by the club is so insignificant as to be irrelevant,” declared prosecutor Sergeant Jason Tozer.
“The court must convey a message to the community that such behaviour is unacceptable, regardless of an individual’s status.”
Serious Assault Charge and Potential Jail Term
Balta, 25, entered a guilty plea in the Corowa Local Court to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, an offence carrying a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment in NSW. Prosecutors argued that the actions of the 2020 premiership player, which resulted in victim Thomas Washbrook being hospitalized with head injuries, qualified as a high-level offence.
Court Hears Victim Could Have Been Killed
Prosecutor Tozer informed the court on March 27 that Washbrook could have died as a result of the assault.
“Your Honour can observe that he [the victim] becomes completely airborne, travelling a metre to a metre and a half,” Sergeant Tozer explained to the court.
“It is purely by chance that his head did not impact the concrete.”
CCTV footage presented to the court depicted Balta exiting the club and forcefully shoulder-charging Washbrook, causing him to fall to the ground.
Court documents revealed that Balta proceeded to punch Washbrook in the head two to three times and assisted his brother in restraining the man.
Balta struck Washbrook’s head twice more before being pulled away, leaving the victim bleeding from a three-centimetre head laceration.
Defence Argues “Out of Character” and Remorse
Balta’s legal team acknowledged the seriousness of the incident but contended that the assault fell within the higher range of a mid-level offence. Balta’s lawyer, Belinda Franjic, told the court that the offence was “completely and utterly uncharacteristic” of the AFL player.
The court heard that Balta had consumed a significant amount of alcohol on the day in question and reacted upon seeing his younger brother in a confrontation.
Franjic stated that Balta had expressed genuine remorse and sought professional support to address his behaviour.
Confidential Settlement Reached with Victim
Balta has reached a confidential settlement with Washbrook, who was compelled to take leave from his employment at the Wangaratta Council due to the injuries sustained. The settlement was finalized after Washbrook initiated legal action against Balta, seeking compensation for pain and suffering and medical expenses.