Austin father pleads guilty to belt beating

AUSTIN, Minn. (AP) — An Austin man has pleaded guilty to beating his 12-year-old daughter with a belt on her legs and face.

Christopher Craig Siverly pleaded guilty Tuesday to felony malicious punishment of a child in exchange for dismissal of one other domestic assault charge.

The Austin Daily Herald reports (http://bit.ly/unWh9w ) the plea agreement states the 33-year-old will serve 21 months in prison. His formal sentencing has not been scheduled.

According to court documents, the girl was bleeding near her mouth when a deputy responded. Siverly has previous domestic assault convictions.

Siverly was also sentenced Tuesday to 18 months in prison for a probation violation. Court documents say his upcoming 21-month sentence will run concurrent, or at the same time as, the 18-month sentence.

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