A couple have been jailed for life for murdering their two-year-old grandson after subjecting him to weeks of systematic abuse. Michael Ives, 48, and his wife Kerry, 46, were convicted of killing Ethan Ives-Griffiths at their home in Kingsley Road, Garden City, Flintshire, in August 2021.
The toddler was dangerously dehydrated and severely underweight with visible marks and bruises when he collapsed with a catastrophic head injury. Ethan died two days later at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool after being transferred from the Countess of Chester Hospital.
Court sentences and judge's remarks
A jury at Mold Crown Court convicted both grandparents of murder and cruelty to a child under 16 after they denied the charges. Mr Justice Griffiths sentenced Michael Ives to serve at least 23 years before he could apply for parole, while Kerry Ives received a minimum term of 17 years.
The judge described Ethan as having "an independent spirit" and being "a brave and resilient boy with a strong character" who remained defiant even when hit. "He already had qualities which in an adult could make for greatness, but the people hitting him didn't like the little boy standing up for himself," the judge said. "They decided to break him."
Mother's conviction and background
Ethan's mother Shannon Ives, 28, was separately convicted of causing or allowing his death and child cruelty. She received a 12-year prison sentence for her role in the tragic events.
The judge said Shannon Ives knew her parents were violent as she had suffered at their hands while growing up. The court heard that Shannon had fled domestic violence from her home in Mold in June 2021 and was staying with her son at her parents' home when the abuse occurred.
Shannon Ives knew Ethan was not safe with her parents and had witnessed both of them hitting the child. She failed to report the abuse to social services and was described as being "complicit" in covering up what was happening.
Father's heartbreak and victim impact
In a victim personal statement, Ethan's father William Griffiths said he would never come to terms with what happened to his son. He expressed anger that Ethan was "taken away from me and placed with his grandparents, who then subjected him to cruel behaviour, denying him food or basic comforts".
Mr Griffiths said his son "must have felt so sad and alone" during his final weeks. He described the loss as leaving "a void that can never be replaced for anyone who met and loved him".
Evidence of systematic abuse
The trial heard disturbing evidence of the abuse Ethan endured, with CCTV footage from the family home showing Michael Ives carrying his grandson by the top of his arm and appearing to punch him. Ethan was made to stand with his hands on his head as punishment when he misbehaved.
Medical examination revealed Ethan had abdominal injuries likely caused by blows in the days before his collapse. He also had bruises consistent with grip marks on his leg and face, and at the time of his death weighed just 10 kilograms.
Medical evidence and cause of death
Experts told the court that Ethan would have died of dehydration within days had he not suffered the fatal head injury. The medical evidence indicated his head injury was caused by deliberate force or shaking and occurred at the time, or minutes before, he collapsed on 14 August.
Social services oversight failures
The court heard Ethan had been placed on the child protection register, requiring visits every 10 days, but crucial appointments were missed in his final weeks. When Shannon Ives last saw her social worker on 5 August, she spoke to him on the doorstep claiming Ethan was having a nap.
No one answered when social worker Michael Cornish attempted to visit in the days before Ethan's death. A scheduled appointment with a health visitor on 13 August was also cancelled, leaving the vulnerable toddler without proper oversight during his final days.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
