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Balta speaks on assault charge following sentencing
SEN • April 22nd, 2025 6:26 pm
Noah Balta has spoken for the first time since his sentencing.
Earlier today, Balta avoided a jail term after pleading guilty to a single count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
In a statement released by the Richmond Football Club, Balta has apologised for the incident, with club CEO Shane Dunne ensuring that the club does not condone the 25-year-old's actions.
The statement reads as follows:
Noah Balta has been fined $3000, issued with an 18-month community corrections order and assigned a three-month curfew after a court hearing in Albury today.
Balta said his actions were unacceptable and that he was deeply sorry.
“I apologise to the victim, my family and friends, and everyone associated with the Richmond Football Club,” Balta said.
“I have let a lot of people down and the lesson has been learned that violence is never the answer.
“I will continue to work to improve myself to ensure this never happens again.”
Richmond CEO Shane Dunne reiterated that Balta’s actions were unacceptable.
“Noah has been held accountable for his actions and has paid a significant price as he should,” Dunne said.
“This Club does not condone violence in any form, and it is why we took such a strong and immediate stand when this incident came to light.
“Noah has worked hard to improve himself in the months following the incident, undertaking education and counselling. That work will continue.
“With the judicial process now concluded, it remains our collective expectation that Noah learns from this, and we see the best version of him going forward.”
The Richmond player, who appeared at Albury Local Court, was instead handed an 18-month community corrections order which includes a 10pm-6am curfew for three months and he must abstain from alcohol.
Under the order, Balta must not commit any further crimes, must not enter Mulwala Ski Club and will complete a Motivating Affect Self Control Program.
The court was told that Balta paid his victim $45,000 in compensation.
