Grandparents’ life sentences for toddler’s murder remain unchanged despite abuse allegations

A tragic case of prolonged mistreatment leads to upheld prison terms

Michael Ives and his wife Kerry Ives, both in their mid-40s, were sentenced to life in prison for killing their two-year-old grandson after enduring months of severe mistreatment. The couple’s conviction followed a harrowing sequence of events that culminated in the child’s death in August 2021.

In August 2021, Ethan Ives-Griffiths, a two-year-old boy, collapsed with a critical head injury at his grandparents’ residence in Flintshire, North Wales. At the time, he was severely dehydrated, extremely underweight, and bore visible bruises and marks. The post-mortem examination uncovered that Ethan weighed a mere 10 kilograms and was suffering from profound malnutrition, along with over 40 physical injuries and devastating brain trauma.

Lord Justice Popplewell noted that Ethan was a ‘brave’ and ‘resilient’ boy with a ‘strong character’ and that his grandparents ‘did not like him standing up for himself.’

Bill Emlyn Jones KC, representing the Solicitor General, argued before the London Court of Appeal that the sentences were too lenient, urging for a reduction. However, the three judges concluded that the punishments were just and did not warrant enhancement.

CCTV evidence depicted Michael lifting Ethan by the arm and seemingly striking him after securing him in a car seat. Additional footage revealed the child walking with an unusual, wide stance and unsteady steps in the backyard, possibly indicating early signs of brain damage from prior head injuries. The judge noted that Michael also forced Ethan to stand with hands clasped overhead as a form of punishment.

Ethan was under child protection supervision, necessitating biweekly check-ins, yet his mother, Shannon Ives, informed her social worker on August 5 that Ethan was napping while standing at the doorstep. The panel acknowledged the thoroughness of the arguments but maintained that the original sentencing was sound and should stand.

Shannon Ives’ defense counsel, Gordon Cole KC, contested her 12-year sentence, claiming it was excessive and that the judge overlooked her mitigating circumstances. The judges had given careful consideration to his points but remained unconvinced that they justified revising the penalties.

Ethan Ives-Griffiths was last seen with his family at Broughton Retail Park on August 13, 2021, just days before he collapsed and died. He is seen in the child seat of a shopping trolley in the footage.