lacey spears of scottsville , kentucky , was spared the maximum 25 years to life , appeared emotionless as the verdict was read in the death of her son garnett-paul spears .
the boy 's father , who was spared the maximum 25 years to life and instead received 20 , showing no emotion when she was sentenced .
she was spared the maximum 25 years to life - he called her a hardworking single mother who gave her son unconditional love .
prosecutors said spears made her son ill because she had a bizarre need for attention .