"This case is one of the most horrible i have ever seen," said Jackson County Circuit Court Judge John McBain to admitted child abuser Kirk Coleman.

The 27-year-old Coleman could do nothing but stand silently as Judge McBain sealed his fate.

"I'm going to sentence you to the maximum possible penalty that I can under Michigan law, 40 months in the department of corrections to 60 months in the department of corrections."

Three and a half to five years for severely abusing his then 3-month old daughter. That's past the recommended sentence of zero to 14 months. According to the judge, the infant had 17 fractures coupled with bruises throughout her body.

"There's no doubt there were sexual injuries to this child as well."

Injuries Judge McBain says could have landed Coleman in prison for life, had he not taken a plea bargain.

Coleman chose to address the court before his sentence was passed.
"I'd just like to apologize for...I'm not very good with words. There are no words that can describe how sorry I am."

Coleman, a decorated Iraq war veteran, told the court the injuries were accidental and he had dropped the child several times while intoxicated over a three week period.

"It's simply as a drunken father not intending to abuse my child in any way."

But the judge didn't buy it.

"It's a miracle she's alive today."

The defense plans to appeal the ruling.

"Mr. Coleman will be returning home soon to his family," said defense attorney Dennis Hurst.

They contest that Coleman is taking the heat for someone else, who they say committed the abuse.

"We believe that he is basically covering up for his wife."

Two more serious charges of criminal sexual conduct first degree and first degree child abuse were dropped as part of the plea... for fear Coleman may be acquitted by a jury. Still, the assistant prosecutor Allison Bates says there's no doubt they got their man.

"The prosecutor's office and the police department are more than satisfied."