A San Antonio man was sentenced to life in prison without parole for sexually assaulting a toddler whose mother tried to explain away the child’s severe injuries as a dog attack.

Visiting Judge Philip Kazen sentenced Isaac Andrew Cardenas, 25, to life in prison without parole on two charges of super aggravated sexual assault of a child. The sentences will be served at the same time.

The child’s family cried and embraced after Kazen announced the sentence. Afterward, the child’s grandmother gave an emotional victim’s impact statement directed at Cardenas.

“She was just an innocent baby,” she said through tears. “She couldn’t even fight back.”

She told Cardenas he will meet his maker, who will inflict “the ultimate punishment for eternity.”

Much of her statement was inaudible as she fought back tears. Cardenas appeared emotionless as she spoke.

Crystal Herrera, 24, the child’s mother, faces one count of injury to a child by omission. Herrera is out on bail and is awaiting trial. She faces a maximum of life in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.

According to authorities, Herrera called 911 on Dec. 31, 2016, to report that dogs had viciously attacked her daughter, who at the time was 21 months old. Herrera told Bexar County sheriff’s deputies that the child had wandered away from their home in South Bexar County.

The girl was taken to University Hospital for treatment of numerous sharp injuries to her genital and anal areas.

On Friday, prosecutor Leo Gonzalez told the judge that he believed that Cardenas should receive life in prison without parole based on the severity of the crime and the effect the case has had on everyone involved — from jurors to law enforcement, medical personnel to investigators.

He said the young victim will be impaired by her injuries for the rest of her life. It’s possible she will have emotional flashbacks and may never be able to have children.

“We believe the defendant has shown no remorse,” Gonzalez said. “We believe in severe justice and strong justice.”

Cardenas’ lawyer, Denny Callahan, suggested that Cardenas receive 25 years in prison. He said his client had no criminal history and no motive.

After the sentencing, Callahan told reporters the sentence was “expected” and that Cardenas would likely appeal.

Emilie Eaton is a criminal justice reporter in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | eeaton@express-news.net | Twitter: @emilieeaton