A couple has been sentenced to life in prison for brutally killing their two-year-old grandson after causing him immense suffering and agony. The tragic incident occurred when the emaciated Ethan Ives-Griffiths sustained a severe brain injury while at his grandparents’ residence on August 14, 2021. Michael Ives, 47, and Kerry Ives, 46, received the verdict after a trial lasting over five weeks in July, where they were found guilty of murder.
During the sentencing at Mold Crown Court, Mr. Justice Martin Griffiths mandated that Michael Ives serve a minimum of 23 years, while Kerry Ives will serve at least 17 years. Kerry’s sentence will run concurrently with a six-year term for child cruelty. Additionally, Ethan’s mother, Shannon Ives, 28, was convicted of causing or permitting her son’s death and child cruelty, resulting in a 12-year imprisonment.
Ethan had been residing with his mother at his grandparents’ home in Garden City, Flintshire, North Wales, following their escape from domestic violence in Mold. The young boy tragically passed away in the hospital two days after collapsing. Medical experts revealed that Ethan was severely dehydrated and would have died within ten days even without the brain injury. In response to the heartbreaking incident, Ethan’s extended family is advocating for “Ethan’s Law,” which aims to empower social services when access to a child is denied, garnering over 35,000 signatures.
The trial exposed the grim reality of Ethan’s condition, weighing only 10 kilograms and displaying 40 visible bruises and marks on his body. Witnesses, including jurors, were visibly distressed as they watched CCTV footage showing Michael Ives handling his grandson roughly. Despite admitting to being neglectful and cruel towards the toddler, Michael and Kerry Ives claimed innocence, alleging that nothing untoward occurred before Ethan’s collapse while they were present in the living room.
Medical evidence presented during the trial indicated that Ethan suffered a fatal head injury from deliberate force or shaking just before his collapse. Postmortem examinations revealed additional injuries, including abdominal trauma likely caused by blows in the days leading to his death. An ongoing safeguarding review is investigating the circumstances surrounding Ethan’s tragic demise, highlighting systemic failures in protecting vulnerable children.
Flintshire Council is cooperating with an independent child practice review initiated by the North Wales Safeguarding Board to address the lapses in safeguarding protocols. Ethan’s aunt, Rebecca Shone, is urging the public to support “Ethan’s Law,” emphasizing the importance of seeking justice and ensuring the safety of at-risk children in memory of Ethan’s tragic fate.