Man who was viciously assaulted by Noah Balta breaks silence (2025)

The victim of a drunken assault by Richmond defender Noah Balta has insisted he believes the Tigers star has learned from his mistakes and is deserving of a second chance.

Thomas Washbrook was left bloodied, bruised and needing hospital treatment after he was repeatedly punched by the 25-year-old Tigers defender outside the Mulwala Waterski Club on December 30, 2024.

Balta later pleaded guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and on Tuesday appeared in Albury Local Court, where he escaped a jail sentence over the assault.

The 2020 premiership winner escaped a jail sentence over the assault, but was handed a $3,000 fine, an 18-month community corrections order and a shock three-month home curfew from 10pm to 6am, which will prevent him from appearing in approximately eight of Richmond's upcoming AFL matches, including Thursday's ANZAC Day Eve match against Melbourne.

Washbrook declined to comment to the media following Balta's sentencing but has since released a statement via his lawyer.

John Suta, counsel for the 27-year-old, said, per The Age: 'He said to me: "There’s nothing wrong with making a mistake, but there’s a lot wrong with making a mistake twice.

'"I don’t reckon he’s ever going to do it again, and he’s learnt from it".'

Washbrook, who works for Wangaratta Council, had also taken civil action against the footy star, suing Balta for damages relating to pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and medical expenses. Both parties settled for $45,000.

On Tuesday, Balta issued an apology to both Washbrook, his football club and the wider community.

'Violence is never the answer. I was under the influence and made a judgement call which was stupid of myself,' he said.

'[The focus is now] definitely working on myself – things to control, what I can control really. Stop drinking, and this is going to go for another 18 months.

'For the last three months I've tried to get myself better, become better to help myself.

'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.'

Balta had also apologised to Washbrook publicly via a statement on Richmond's club website.

Richmond's chief executive Shane Dunne also stated that the club did not condone Balta's actions.

'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.'

AFLMelbourne

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