A Warren County man who fathered a child with a 14-year-old girl interrupted his own trial Monday to plead guilty to statutory rape.

Dan Whatley, 26, 1608 Green Hill Road, protested, but was immediately handed a 20-year sentence by Circuit Judge Frank Vollor.

Whatley’s family was in the courtroom, and his mother left in tears after the sentencing.

Whatley said putting him in prison will leave no one to pay to support the child.

&#8220I don’t think it’s right,” he said. &#8220But I got no other choice. If I go to trial, I’ll lose and get life.”

Whatley was arrested on August 1, 2005, and indicted on the charge by a Warren County grand jury in January.

The trial began Monday morning with jury selection and ended at midafternoon Monday with the guilty plea.

&#8220He was going to be tried as a violent habitual offender,” said Assistant District Attorney Mike Bonner, &#8220which carries a life sentence.”

Bonner said there was ample DNA evidence to convict Whatley. He also confirmed a child was born as a result of the relationship. Under Mississippi law, it is not necessary to prove force when an underage person is involved in sexual contact with an adult. The law presumes a 14-year-old is incapable of giving knowing consent to a sexual relationship with an adult.

Whatley was represented by attorney T. Murry Whalen, who was unavailable.