Curfew, fines and no booze: Balta learns fate over "sickening" assault

Noah Balta has avoided a jail term after pleading guilty to a single count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

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.

It means he will not be able to play in Anzac Day Eve against Melbourne this Thursday and Dreamtime at the 'G against Essendon in Round 11.

He will also miss the Round 12 clash with GWS as the timing of the game means he would not make it home before his curfew.

Balta’s lawyer argued the point on night games. Magistrate said “that was the punishment”.

"This has been dreadfully mishandled in football circles," Gerard Whateley said on SEN.

"The last thing you want before a man goes and fronts a magistrate for sentencing is the premier of that man’s state on a couple of occasions just reaffirming how grave this is.

"That’s what football opened up here, it couldn’t see the wood for the trees.

"Instead of realising small football that could have been easily circumvented by waiting a couple of weeks and playing VFL, they’ve made it a huge societal referendum."

Channel 9 journalist and SEN regular Tom Morris said the result certainly came as a surprise to many.

“Every time you think you know how these stories will play out there’s a twist and a turn,” Morris said on SEN’s Whateley.

“It’s very unexpected. I spoke to Amber Johnston, the Channel 9 court reporter, and she was shocked by it.

“The Magistrate was completely unwilling to discuss any dispensation or exceptions to the rule.

“We are aware that this is bigger than football, but from a football perspective alone the implications are significant for Richmond and Noah Balta.”

Last month Balta pleaded guilty for an attack on another man outside the Mulwala Water Ski club in December last year.

Vision played during the court hearing showed Balta run towards his victim, knock him to the ground before delivering repeated blows to his head.

In March, prosecutors telling a court that the victim of the assault - Thomas Washbrook - was lucky to be alive.

Kane Cornes previously described the incident as "sickening".