A couple who murdered their two-year-old grandson, Ethan Ives-Griffiths, have been jailed for life following a harrowing trial at Mold Crown Court.
Michael Ives, 47, and Kerry Ives, 46, were sentenced to minimum terms of 23 and 17 years respectively after being found guilty of Ethan’s murder and child cruelty. Ethan’s mother, Shannon Ives, 28, was also convicted of causing or allowing his death and child cruelty. She received a 12-year prison sentence.
Ethan died on 14 August 2021 after collapsing at his grandparents’ home in Garden City, Flintshire. He was dangerously dehydrated, severely underweight, and had 40 visible injuries. Experts later determined he had suffered a fatal head injury caused by deliberate force or shaking, alongside older abdominal injuries inflicted days earlier.
CCTV shown in court revealed shocking abuse, including Michael Ives dragging Ethan by the arm, ordering him to hold his hands on his head, and even gesturing for another child to punch him. Prosecutors described the treatment as dehumanising.
Michael Ives admitted being cruel and neglectful but denied causing Ethan’s death. Shannon Ives, who was staying at the house with her son, claimed her parents were abusive to both her and Ethan.
The court heard there was an 18-minute delay before emergency services were called after Ethan collapsed. He was taken to hospital but died two days later. At the time of his death, he weighed just 10kg.
Ethan had been on the child protection register, but visits by social workers were missed or cancelled in the weeks before his death.
Judge Mr Justice Griffiths described the killing as a horrifying escalation of cruelty and violence against a “brave and resilient boy”.
Ethan’s father, Will Griffiths, said he would remember his son as a “smiley, loving child” and welcomed the verdicts, saying justice had finally been served.
