PUNTA GORDA, Fla. - Melissa Bailey, the 29-year-old Charlotte County woman convicted of sexually abusing a toddler, is facing life in prison. But today, a judge granted her request to leave the prison and attend a family funeral.    

Her attorney said the judge's decision is not unusual and Bailey will not pose a danger to the community.

Judge John Druyea agreed to let Bailey leave jail tomorrow to mourn the loss of her grandmother, but he said her visit on the outside will be very short and she will not be alone.

Bailey's attorney,  Joe Lombardo, filed the motion and said Bailey's family is paying for the extra deputies and the overtime.

In August, a jury found Bailey guilty of six counts of sexual assault on an 18-month-old child. Each count carries a mandatory life sentence.

Lombardo said he plans to appeal. 

Bailey's sentencing is set for next month. Her boyfriend at the time, Glenn Nelson, took a plea deal for his involvement in the case and is serving time in state prison.