Damian Hawley has pleaded guilty to second degree murder related to the death of his mother.

He was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 12 years.

Hawley was facing a charge of first degree murder, but he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of second degree, sparing the family a trial.

Gertrude Hawley, 85, died in hospital on July 6, 2014 after she was viciously attacked by a hammer 11 days earlier, according to police.

The court heard on Wednesday, Hawley's son was asleep at home on June 26, 2014 when he heard his grandmother yell "stop,” then he saw her on the floor "massive head trauma."

Damian Hawley's daughter, Kaitlyn, says she hopes her father is never granted parole because in her words "He's a danger to society."

CTV’s Michelle Maluske has details from court: