A grandmother and grandfather have been sentenced to life in prison for the cruel killing of their two-year-old grandson after subjecting him to suffering and agony.
Ethan Ives-Griffiths, described as “painfully thin,” suffered a severe brain injury leading to his collapse while staying at his grandparents’ residence on August 14, 2021. Despite denying the charges, Michael Ives, 47, and Kerry Ives, 46, were found guilty of murder by a jury after a five-week trial in July.
During the sentencing at Mold Crown Court, Mr. Justice Martin Griffiths determined that Michael Ives must serve a minimum of 23 years in prison, while Kerry Ives will serve at least 17 years, in addition to a concurrent six-year sentence for child cruelty.
Ethan’s mother, Shannon Ives, 28, was also found guilty of contributing to her son’s death and child cruelty, resulting in a 12-year prison sentence.
The court heard that Ethan, residing with his mother at his grandparents’ house in Garden City, Flintshire, North Wales, passed away in the hospital two days after collapsing. Medical experts noted that Ethan was severely dehydrated and underweight, with his health deteriorating rapidly.
The tragic incident has spurred Ethan’s extended family to advocate for “Ethan’s Law,” aimed at empowering social services to intervene more effectively in cases where access to a child is denied. The petition for this law has garnered significant support with over 35,000 signatures.
During the trial, distressing details emerged about Ethan’s condition, revealing that he was only 10 kilograms and bore 40 visible bruises or marks on his body at the time of his death. Jurors were visibly moved by the evidence presented, including CCTV footage showing Michael Ives mistreating the toddler.
Despite the family being on the child protection register, authorities failed to prevent Ethan’s tragic demise. The court learned that social workers and health visitors faced obstacles in accessing the child due to the family’s actions, with missed appointments and uncooperative behavior.
Shannon Ives testified about the abusive environment she and her son were subjected to, recalling the violent behavior of her parents. She described a history of physical and emotional abuse within the family, highlighting her father’s cruel treatment of her and Ethan.
The court was shown harrowing footage of Michael Ives mishandling Ethan, prompting him to acknowledge his neglectful behavior. Both Michael and Kerry Ives maintained that nothing untoward had happened to Ethan before his collapse, claiming ignorance of any foul play.
Medical evidence presented during the trial pointed to deliberate force or shaking as the cause of Ethan’s fatal head injury, indicating a horrifying sequence of events leading to his death.
As investigations continue into the tragic incident, Ethan’s family seeks justice and accountability for the senseless loss of their beloved child, pushing for reforms to protect vulnerable children like Ethan in the future.
