Richmond defender Noah Balta could be facing jail time after recent news came to light surrounding his assault charge during the off-season.
Balta faced the courts in Corowa on Thursday, which has subsequently been adjourned until April 22, two weeks after his ban is lifted, given the magistrate needed more time, according to Channel 7's Mitch Cleary.
The premiership defender was involved in an incident in Mulwala, a town on the Victoria-New South Wales border, with another man entangled in the conflict taken to hospital with lacerations to the head.
Richmond premiership hero Noah Balta is facing a legal payout in the hundreds of thousands of dollars over a wild pub punch-on. His victim's lawyer has told 7NEWS his client has been left with life-long injuries from the attack. https://t.co/5zYfOfGqUb @cassiezervos #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/9EJcFnL08a
โ 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) February 25, 2025
27-year-old Thomas Washbrook has reportedly been left with lifelong injuries and mental anguish following the incident.
The Tigers' utility was suspended for Richmond's first month of action, plus the club's two practice matches. Balta has been ordered to complete education and undertake counselling.
Thomas and his legal team are also taking action against Balta, and are suing him for damages.
The premiership defender pleaded guilty to the charge in January.
Richmond premiership player Noah Baltaโs case for assaulting Thomas Washbrook has been adjourned after โwildโ CCTV vision of the incident was shown in Corowa Local Court. https://t.co/J29Y6UU5dk @paul_dowsley @7AFL #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/EXdfovyLnA
โ 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) March 27, 2025
As it stands, the 25-year-old will return for matches against Fremantle and Gold Coast in Rounds 5 and 6 before facing the courts once again.
It is understood that Richmond won't comment before then.
