A local father was in a Jefferson County courtroom Friday morning, where he was sentenced for killing his son.

Fred Roman, 23, of Toronto, was charged with murder, felonious assault and endangering children.

Roman changed his plea from not guilty to guilty and admitted to killing the baby. Sheriff Fred Abdalla said Roman admitted he hit the baby's head against the wall.

The death certificate of the toddler stated he died from blunt force trauma to the head.

Roman was sentenced to 17 years to life in prison.

Jacob Fleischer, 16 months, died from injuries sustained during the indicent last June.

The baby's mother, Channe Fleischer, pleaded for the maximum sentence during Friday's sentencing. She read a written statement, explaining Roman showed no remorse. "My child has been taken away. He will no longer laugh nor smile. He will not grow to be a man or have the opportunity to make decisiions regarding his future," she said.

Fleischer pleaded with the judge to show no sympathy to Roman.

"For Fred Roman to walk the streets before my son would have been old enough to graduate high school would be a travesty," she said.

Putting him behind bars, she said, "certainly will not bring my son back, but it may persuade future offenders from committing horrendous acts."