Noah Balta: Footy star makes huge call after allegedly bashing a man outside a pub in late-night attack
Noah Balta will plead guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm after the AFL star allegedly bashed a man outside a pub on December 30 last year, his lawyer told a court on Thursday.
The Richmond defender was charged by NSW Police on December 31 after officers were called to a sports club in the Riverina town of Mulawa at 12.30am following reports of an assault.
In a statement, police said a 27-year-old man was taken to Yarrawonga Hospital in a stable condition with a laceration to his head.
That man has since been named as Thomas Washbrook, 27.
Balta presented himself to Mulawa police the day after the alleged assault.
The 25-year-old Tigers star did not appear in Corowa Local Court but was represented by his lawyer, who told the magistrate his client will enter a guilty plea.
Richmond Tigers star Noah Balta intends to plead guilty to assaulting a man at a sports club on December 30 last year, his lawyer told a NSW court on Thursday
The 25-year-old is accused of putting another man in hospital during the alleged attack
Balta was reportedly in Mulwala preparing to celebrate the New Year with family and friends.
His bail was extended at Thursday’s hearing and he is due to face court again on March 20.
He was suspended for four AFL matches as a result of the alleged attack, and will also be forced to miss his team’s two preseason games in addition to completing an education course and getting counselling.
‘Noah deeply regrets being involved in the incident,’ Richmond CEO Shane Dunne said in a club statement.
‘He has assisted the NSW Police in their investigation and he is keen to have the matter concluded as soon as possible.
‘While the outcome of the investigation and the charge will be a matter for the police and the courts, both Noah and the club accept that players can’t put themselves in these situations.’
Richmond’s senior players were consulted before the club decided on Balta’s sanction.
Balta (pictured) was suspended for four AFL matches by Richmond and will also miss the Tigers’ two preseason games
‘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,’ Dunne said.
‘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.’
The AFL backed Richmond’s decision to suspend Balta.
‘The AFL has been kept informed by Richmond of developments and is supportive of the club’s response and sanction,’ the league said in a statement.
‘The AFL will continue to monitor ongoing matters in court.’
Balta is a key plank in Richmond’s attempt to rebuild under second-year coach Adem Yze, having signed a bumper seven-year contract in October.
The deal ties the 104-game defender to the Tigers until the end of the 2032 season.
