Dad pleads guilty to child neglect

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - A Virginia Beach man pleaded guilty to felony child neglect when his son was accidentally shot earlier this year.

Nicholas Pierce has been sentenced to five years suspended except time already served regarding a February 2012 incident when his 4-year-old son, Evan Pierce, was shot in the hip by a large-caliber gun.

The court's stipulation of facts states Nicholas was "juggling" a .40 Sig Sauer handgun, keys and his wallet while trying to give his son medication, at which point the gun discharged.

The child was taken to Norfolk General Hospital where he remained for several months and was near death.

Under the plea agreement, Nicholas Pierce has been required to pay for all current and future medical bills relating to Evan's injury. He was also ordered not to have contact with the child's mother except for third-party contact relating to medical treatment and insurance. Lastly, he is not to have contact with his son until authorized to do so by the child's therapist or mental health provider.