By Alison James

alison.james@fct.wpengine.com

At a hearing last Tuesday, a Red Bay woman pleaded guilty to second-degree assault of her 5-year-old stepdaughter in Franklin County court.

The Class C felony landed Ashley Michelle Thompson, 26, of Seventh Ave., S.W., Red Bay, with an eight-year sentence, five of which are recommended to be probation, District Attorney Joey Rushing said.

“Both sides gave a little in order to get the settlement, and we were overall pleased,” said Rushing. Thompson was originally indicted on aggravated child abuse after being arrested in July 2014 when the child was seen at a hospital with bruises and scratches.

Rushing said Tuesday’s guilty plea eliminated the prospect of the young victim being subject to testimony and cross-examination by the defense.

“Obviously it was a severe case,” Rushing said. He said the goal was to be certain Thompson would no longer have any rights or access to her stepdaughter. “I think one of the main concerns was to ensure the child’s safety.”