Noah Balta Avoids Jail, Receives Curfew for Assault

Richmond AFL player Noah Balta has avoided jail after pleading guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an incident outside the Mulwala Water Ski Club in December. Sentenced in Albury Local Court, Balta received an 18-month community corrections order, a $3,000 fine, and a nightly curfew from 10pm to 6am until July, which prevents him from participating in evening games and interstate matches during this period. He must also abstain from alcohol, stay out of the Mulwala club, complete a self-improvement program, and paid $45,000 in compensation to the victim, Thomas Washbrook. The court described the attack as serious but not at the level warranting imprisonment, despite prosecution arguments about its gravity. Richmond had previously suspended Balta for four matches over the incident before his return to play. The sentence has significant career ramifications for Balta, as he will miss key games due to the imposed curfew.