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Flathead County Man Gets 50 Years for Assault on Infant

By Beacon Staff

A 21-year-old Flathead County man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for a sexual assault on a 9-month-old boy.

Shane Nickerson was convicted in October of sexual assault, aggravated assault, criminal endangerment and assault on a minor for the August 2008 attack on his girlfriend’s son.

District Judge Stewart Stadler sentenced Nickerson on Thursday to 50 years for sexual assault and concurrent terms of 20 years for aggravated assault, 10 years for criminal endangerment and five years for assault on a minor.

Court records say the baby suffered on his head, a bloody mouth, injuries consistent with sexual abuse and severe brain injuries due to partial asphyxiation.

Nickerson must complete sex offender treatment before becoming eligible for parole and was designated a Level III sex-offender, one with a high risk to re-offend.