A Queens judge was stunned today by a proposed plea deal that would let a man accused of brutally beating a toddler to death get just five years in prison.
Allen Shannon, 29, faces 25 years to life in the death of his girlfriend’s 19-month-old daughter — who was beaten to death two years ago, and died from injuries that included a broken jaw fractured ribs, a punctured lung and internal bleeding.
So when prosecutors approached Queens Supreme Court Justice Gregory Lasak with a deal for a mere fraction of the time he could face at trial, the judge had to do a double take.
“It’s a very low offer,” Lasak said in court. “The injuries are very severe. Five years?”
“Yes, judge,” said the prosecutor, Leigh Bishop.
“This is a murder case,” he sternly replied.
Shannon’s attorney, John Scarpa, explained to his client that if he accepted the plea he would get out of jail sooner than going to trial and taking his chances with a jury.
At the time of Shannon’s arrest, authorities said his girlfriend, Candice Jones, 22, left little Anniyah Levant with him in her Corona apartment while she went to work for a night shift.
Early the next morning, Shannon called Jones and said something was wrong with the girl
After the toddler died at Mt. Sinai Hospital, the Medical Examiner’s Office determined that she’s suffered fractures and internal injuries, including a broken jaw, broken ribs, a lacerated liver and spleen, bruising on her face and internal abdominal bleeding.
Lasak wasn’t the only one hesitating over the proposal. The defendant said he needed time to think it over.
“I need more time to talk to my family about this since I’m innocent,” Shannon said.
Lasak said he would rule on the deal in two weeks.
“I’ll never accept this plea offer like this, especially on a murder case and for a defendant who thinks he is innocent.”
ccarrega@nypost.com