DURANT - A father charged with child abuse for the shaking and beating of a 9-week-old girl was handed a 15-year prison term.

Justin Wayne Brese, 21, Durant, pleaded no contest Monday to the charge. He was sentenced to 25 years, but 10 years were suspended as part of a plea agreement. He also was given credit for time served since his book-in July 22, when he was charged with the crime.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and Durant Police began investigating last summer after the parents brought the baby to the Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahoma. According to authorities, hospital staff saw evidence of abuse, so they contacted the Department of Human Services.

The couple then fled the hospital with the baby and dropped her off at the Atoka hospital, authorities said, and the girl was taken to an Oklahoma City hospital to be treated for serious injuries.

Doctors told investigators the baby girl suffered serious head injuries caused by shaken baby syndrome. Investigators said the baby suffered bruising over her body, brain bleeding, skull fractures and fractured ribs caused by shaking and beating.

OSBI agents questioned Brese, and according to an affidavit, he admitted to possibly causing injuries to her hips and neck, and to tossing her on the couch because he was frustrated with her crying.

A witness told DHS workers that he saw the parents with the baby outside of an apartment. According to the affidavit, he saw the father throw the crying baby in the air. The baby was caught by her mother.

District Attorney Emily Redman said the baby is in foster care and still recovering from developmental problems caused by the injuries.

“I'm not real sure of her prognosis,” Redman said. “The bad thing about shaken-baby syndrome is you may not know the outcome of the injuries for years. She's still having problems.”

The mother was not charged in the case but the baby was placed into the custody of DHS because authorities said the mother was aware of the abuse committed by the father.

“There was never any evidence the mama contributed to the physical abuse, but there was some evidence of neglect on her part,” Redman said.

The baby is now 1 year old.

Because child abuse is a violent crime, Brese will have to serve 85 percent of the 15 years before he is eligible for release.

“I think it's a fair disposition,” Redman said. “He's going to spend a fairly significant amount of time.”