FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): A Fort Wayne woman who admitted to battering her own daughter will spend six years in prison for the crime.
Friday, Allen Superior Court Judge Fran Gull sentenced 19-year-old Haley Bowman to nine years, with three years suspended as probation.
She pleaded guilty to a level 3 felony count of battery causing serious injury to a child less than 14 years old.
According to court documents, in March Bowman had taken a sleep aid and went to bed, but the then 10-month girl was crying. Bowman then slammed the baby's face against the corner of the crib. 20-hours later the baby was taken to the hospital for a skull fracture, bleeding on the brain and injuries to her right eye.
Hospital employees say the child could have long-term brain damage according to a Journal-Gazette report.
An investigation undercovered a history of abusive behavior by Bowman.
The judge ordered Bowman to undergo counseling and psychiatric evaluation. She's also ordered to finish her high school diploma and no contact with the child.