The Richmond defender received an 18-month Community Corrections Order, which includes a 10pm curfew for the first three months, as decided by the Albury Local Court today.

The 25-year-old was given a chance to avoid incarceration for his December assault incident. However, under the Community Corrections Order, he is required to adhere to a 10pm to 6am curfew until July, pay a $3000 fine, and abstain from alcohol for the entire 18-month duration.

Balta turned himself in to police two days later on New Year’s Day.

Balta’s defence admitted the incident was serious but argued the assault was at the higher end of a mid-level offence.

The prosecution argued the attack met the threshold of a high-level offence.

Character references for the AFL star described Balta as “a kind, caring gentle giant,” defence lawyer Belinda Franjic said.

“It’s quite clear this offence is completely and utterly out of character for Mr Balta,” she told the court last month.

In sentencing Balta today, Magistrate Melissa Humphreys said the attack was at the higher end of the medium threshold and disagreed there was a risk of death beyond a reasonable doubt.

Balta had been on a pub crawl from 1.30pm on the day of the assault.

Balta missed the opening rounds of the season due to suspension but returned for Richmond’s upset win over the Gold Coast Suns on the weekend.