Iona man sentenced to 7 years for beating 6-year-old

A 32-year-old Iona man will serve seven years behind bars for beating a six-year-old child.

Sean Ryan was sentenced in Madison County on Monday where his defense attorney argued his actions came from an abusive upbringing.

Ryan was arrested in September after the six-year-old told his mom Ryan had given him bruises.

Originally, the victim told her he fell down the stairs.

Court documents show Ryan would spank the child with a wooden spatula and also kicked him in the face.