Overview

• Noah Balta pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm after a violent altercation on December 30, 2024, in Mulwala, NSW.
• The prosecution argued the assault was a high-level offense, describing the victim as being thrown 'fully airborne' and narrowly avoiding fatal injuries.
• Balta admitted to being intoxicated and reacting to a confrontation involving his younger brother, with his defense claiming the incident was out of character.
• The Richmond Football Club's four-match suspension of Balta was criticized by the prosecution as 'minimal' and 'irrelevant' in addressing the seriousness of the offense.
• Sentencing is scheduled for April 22, 2025, with Balta facing a maximum penalty of five years in prison.