New CCTV Footage Shows Intensity of Assault
Richmond Tigers defender Noah Balta’s court case has been adjourned after the emergence of new CCTV footage. The footage, shown in Corowa Local Court, captured the full extent of the assault on Thomas Washbrook in Mulwala on December 30.
Prosecutor Sergeant Jason Tozer described the incident as a “wild assault” and argued that the footage highlighted the severity of the attack. “Your Honour, you can see he becomes fully airborne and travels a metre or a metre-and-a-half,” Tozer said.
Washbrook, 27, landed on concrete and suffered injuries. “It is only sheer luck that his head did not make contact with that concrete,” Tozer added.
Richmond premiership player Noah Balta’s case for assaulting Thomas Washbrook has been adjourned after ‘wild’ CCTV vision of the incident was shown in Corowa Local Court. https://t.co/J29Y6UU5dk @paul_dowsley @7AFL #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/EXdfovyLnA
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) March 27, 2025
Details of the Assault and Legal Proceedings
Balta, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail under New South Wales law.
The prosecution argued that the attack met the threshold for a high-level offence. The defence claimed it was a serious but mid-level offence.
Balta’s barrister, Belinda Franjic, told the court that the AFL player had been drinking heavily before the incident. She said Balta reacted to seeing his younger brother, Oskar, in a confrontation.
CCTV Footage Reveals Shocking Details
The newly released footage showed a group of seven people in a heated exchange. Among them was Oskar Balta, who appeared to be arguing with Washbrook.
Tozer detailed the sequence of events: “Noah Balta runs in and immediately launches himself at Mr Washbrook, who has his back to Noah Balta.”
“The victim is flung to the ground and Balta leans down, delivering three or four quick punches to Mr Washbrook’s head,” Tozer added.
Balta was briefly pulled away before returning for another swing. “It’s unclear if it connects. The group then disperses,” Tozer said.
Victim’s Injuries and Mental Health Impact
Washbrook sustained injuries that his lawyer, John Suta, claimed were lifelong. Suta stated that Washbrook had been struggling mentally since the attack.
“Psychiatric impairment, nerves, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder” were among the conditions attributed to the assault, Suta said.
In a video recorded after the attack, Washbrook displayed his injuries and expressed frustration. “I came out for a good night … hang out with some 18-year-olds and I get f******* flogged the f*** out for no reason once again,” he said.
Club’s Response and Suspension
Richmond suspended Balta for the first four matches of the AFL season. The prosecution criticised the penalty. “The action taken by the club is so minimal as to be irrelevant,” Tozer said.
Richmond issued a statement acknowledging Balta’s remorse. “He has assisted the NSW Police in their investigation and he is keen to have the matter concluded as soon as possible,” the club said.
“Noah and the club accept that players can’t put themselves in these situations,” the statement continued.
Figure 1: Noah Balta receives suspension
Victim’s Lawyer Seeks Compensation
Suta claimed that Richmond had remained silent on the incident. “Our client has incurred medical expenses, loss of income, damage to his personal effects to his mobile and telephone and clothing,” Suta stated.
He added that he hoped to “negotiate an amicable resolution” with Balta.
Next Court Date and Possible Sentencing
Balta is set to be sentenced on April 22. The case was adjourned following the presentation of the CCTV footage.
The prosecution argued that the court must send a strong message. “This type of conduct is unacceptable no matter who you are,” Tozer said.
If convicted, Balta could face up to five years in prison.
