Northern Illinois man convicted in beating of 7-month-old

BELVIDERE, Ill. (AP) - A 23-year-old man has been found guilty in the brutal beating of his girlfriend's 7-month-old son.

The Rockford Register Star reports (http://bit.ly/1l8DUKg) the verdict comes after a three-day bench trial in Boone County Circuit Court. Judge Rob Tobin found Dylan Abbott of Machesney Park guilty on multiple counts, including aggravated battery to a child.

Abbott was charged after police answered a call to a Belvidere apartment in July 2014 and found baby Ricky Martinez injured.

Abbott took the stand during his trial, testifying the baby had choked on candy and he performed CPR.

But evidence indicated the baby suffered head trauma. He's expected to be permanently disabled.

Boone County State's Attorney Michelle Courier says she hopes the verdict "sends a message to other abusers that there are consequences for their abuse."