Richmond defender Noah Balta has publicly addressed his assault charge for the first time, offering an emotional apology to the victim, his club, and supporters, just a day after receiving an 18-month community correctional order.
Balta, 25, was sentenced for an incident on 30 December in Mulwala, and will now be prohibited from drinking alcohol and subject to a strict 10 pm - 6 am curfew, a sanction that will rule him out of night fixtures and interstate travel for the foreseeable future.
In a pre-recorded video released by the club, Balta apologised directly to the man he assaulted, Thomas Westbrook, and vowed to work on himself during this period.
‘Violence is never the answer’
“I just want to take this opportunity to apologise to the victim and the family,” Balta said.
“Also (for) the harm I’ve caused to my family and friends, the whole of the Richmond Football Club and the Tiger Army. Violence is never the answer. Especially (given) I was under the influence and made a judgment call which was stupid of myself.”
Balta will not feature for Richmond this weekend and remains suspended from all levels of competition. He was previously banned for four home-and-away matches and two pre-season games, but the curfew could extend that to at least seven matches missed.
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“I’ve stopped drinking, and this is going to go on for another 18 months,” he said. “Try and get myself better, become better off-field to help myself.”
Balta also thanked his support system, saying, “While I’m here, I want to take the time to thank my family and friends for always being there supporting me, the club and also the Tiger Army.”
Coach Adem Yze acknowledged Balta’s remorse, adding, “He’s really remorseful. He accepted the decision, and now it’s about getting him back amongst the group and giving him the opportunity to repay the faith that we’ve shown in him.”
Yze noted that while appealing, the curfew had been discussed, the club chose not to contest it. “To appeal the matter would have indicated that footy was more relevant than the sanction,” he said.
Balta’s future availability remains uncertain, but both he and the club have made clear their intent to support one another through what Yze called “a tough day.”