Dad sentenced to prison for abusing infant son (Charleston, West Virginia)

Dad is identified as SHAWN GRAVES.

http://www.wowktv.com/story/29836170/judge-denies-leniency-for-father-accused-of-shaking-4-month-old-son

Judge denies leniency for father accused of shaking 4-month-old son

Posted: Aug 19, 2015 5:15 PM EST Updated: Aug 19, 2015 5:27 PM EST

CHARLESTON, WV - A judge has denied leniency for a father sentenced on child neglect charges in the shaking of his infant son.

Shawn Graves, 21, of Charleston was denied leniency by Judge Paul Ferrell during a hearing Wednesday in Charleston. He was ordered back to prison to serve the 1 to 5 years for the crime, the maximum allowed by the state.

According to court documents, the baby boy was taken by EMS to Cabell Huntington Hospital in June 2014. Hospital staff determined the baby's injuries were not accidental. A brain bleed was discovered after a CT Scan was performed on the baby. Staff at the hospital believes he was shaken.

Miraculously the child survived.

Graves entered a Kennedy plea to the crime. A Kennedy plea a guilty plea in criminal court, whereby a defendant in a criminal case does not admit the criminal act and asserts innocence.

The baby's mother, Shay Harper, believes Graves' sentence isn't enough.

"I want to hear him call me 'Momma' one day and tell me he loves me too. I want him to go to school and not be laughed at because he's different," Harper said. "I want him to have his own free will as he should. I want to see him go to prom, get a girlfriend, play sports, go to college and be successful, that's the life you've taken from him."

Doctors say the child's recovery has surpassed expectations. They say his hearing has improved and he is able to stand with the help of equipment.