SAVANNAH, Ga. - A coastal Georgia woman who pleaded guilty to starving her 6-year-old special needs daughter has been sentenced to 17 years in prison.

The Savannah Morning News reports Lakisha Green was sentenced Monday on charges of attempted murder and cruelty to children.

Assistant District Attorney Emily Puhala says the girl was dehydrated and severely malnourished when she was brought to a hospital in 2011. Puhala says the girl had missed nearly 30 medical appointments.

Green's attorney, David Burns, says Green never intended to kill the girl, but was overwhelmed by her condition.