ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Erica Bell, the woman convicted in the beating death of 3-year-old Brook Stagles, was called "despicable" by the judge who sentenced her to 25 years to life in prison.

Bell was convicted in September on second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter charges in the death of the toddler, her boyfriend's daughter.

The judge in the bench trial heard about two weeks of testimony from medical experts, law enforcement, friends and family before rendering his verdict. At the time of conviction, the judge called Bell "supremely selfish and inhuman."

The prosecution wanted the maximum sentence, arguing that Brook's death was completely preventable and avoidable. They pointed to testimony about how Brook suffered and that Bell showed no remorse.

The defense team argued that Bell was a victim of abuse and fits the profile of a battered woman. The defense said Bell's drug abuse resulted in her couch surfing and losing custody of her two children.

Bell did not comment when asked if she'd like to address the court Wednesday.

John Geer, the grandfather of Brook, was asked if this maximum sentence would help with the grieving process.

"Not really," Geer said. "It's not going to bring Brook back. It's just; Erica Bell is the poster child for heroin and Brook is the poster child for child abuse. Everybody loses."

The case also prompted Monroe County to make improvements to its Child Protective Services.

The toddler's father, Michael Stagles, pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide before the case could go to trial. He is scheduled for sentencing in December.