Jackson, MI Kirk Coleman, the Jackson County man accused of raping and beating his three-month old daughter, pleaded guilty Friday afternoon to attempted child abuse. It's a plea that carries a much lighter sentence than the life in prison term he could have faced if found guilty of the original charges. A maximum of 5 years is the potential sentence for attempted child abuse.

Coleman's trial was set to begin Monday. He had been charged with first degree criminal sexual conduct and first degree child abuse. Those charges were dismissed in the plea agreement.

Jackson County Prosecutor's office says that their primary goal was to ensure that Coleman would never again gain custody of his daughter, and this plea accomplishes that. Since he did not pleaded to criminal sexual conduct he will not be required to register as a sex offender.

Coleman will be sentenced in July.

In September of last year, Coleman was accused of the beating and sexual assault of his three-month old daughter in their Blackman Township home. Police investigators said the infant was left in Coleman's care, while the mother went to work. Officer said they believed Coleman beat the baby for two days. The girl had to be placed on life support at U of M hospital, and had multiple bone fractures. Jackson County Prosecutor's office says that the girl will never fully recover from her injuries.