NATCHEZ — A Natchez woman accused of fracturing the skull of a 23-month-old girl pleaded guilty Monday to felony child abuse.

Sixth District Circuit Court Judge Forrest “Al” Johnson also sentenced Shalae M. Lewis Monday to serve 30 years in prison.

Lewis was accused of repeatedly throwing or pushing the child — Lewis’ daughter — down a flight of stairs. The child suffered severe head trauma, including a cracked skull.

During Lewis’ request to lower her bond in February, Assistant District Attorney Tim Cotton read from a statement from Lewis in which Lewis said she had been having issues with the baby’s father about him stepping up and being a father.

Cotton said at the time the baby also appeared to have suffered old and new burns as advanced as second degree, bruises from old injuries that were healing, bruises from new injuries, broken ribs and a lacerated liver.

Cotton had two statements from witnesses claiming to have seen Lewis punch the child with a closed fist, push the child down and throw the child. One of the witnesses claimed to have seen Lewis pour boiling water on the child, Cotton said.