COEUR d'ALENE - A 52-year-old Post Falls man was sentenced this week up to life in prison for lewd conduct with a minor under 16 years and for being a habitual offender.

First District Court Judge John T. Mitchell ordered that the first 15 years of Roy L. Goldsborough's sentence be fixed, meaning he won't be eligible for parole.

The remainder of his sentence would be indeterminate.

In March, Goldsborough pleaded guilty to the offense, which related to his fondling of a 12-year-old girl.

He has prior convictions for two counts of sexual abuse, petit theft, two counts of felony assault, delivery of a controlled substance and driving while under the influence.

Mitchell considered Goldsborough's prior convictions, current offense, and his "blame shifting" when ordering the long sentence, according to a Kootenai County prosecutor's office press release.

Prosecutor Barry McHugh praised the work of Post Falls police and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Art Verharen for their work on the case.

"The fixed term guarantees that Mr. Goldsborough will not be able to victimize other children or commit other violent offenses for an extended period of time," McHugh said in the press release.