BC man to be sentenced for throwing baby

Boulder Creek resident Eric Rebert Johnston, 24, pleaded no contest to eight charges after he threw his 9-month-old daughter out of his car window in April.
Judge Paul Burdick said Oct. 14 that he would sentence Johnston to 10 years in prison, of which he must serve 85 percent.
If convicted of another felony in the future, he could serve 25 years to life, under the state’s three strikes law. 
Johnston’s sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 13.
Johnston was arrested on suspicion of committing a series of violent acts against his infant daughter and his wife April 1. Charges include spousal battery, child abuse and dissuading a witness from reporting a crime.
According to the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office, Johnston became angry while driving with his wife and their 22-month-old and 9-month-old daughters along Highway 9 at Riverdale Boulevard in Boulder Creek.
He allegedly pulled over to the side of the road at about 7:50 p.m., got out of the car and threw the 9-month-old more than 20 feet. The baby girl landed on Highway 9, causing road rash and cuts to her stomach, sides, tongue and legs.
Johnston also is accused of assaulting the girl’s mother and later elbowing the baby, which resulted in a black eye.