A couple has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of their two-year-old grandson after causing him distress and a fatal brain injury. Ethan Ives-Griffiths, described as “painfully thin,” collapsed while under the care of his grandparents on August 14, 2021. Michael Ives, 47, and Kerry Ives, 46, were found guilty of murder by a jury following a five-week trial in July.
During the sentencing at Mold Crown Court, Mr. Justice Martin Griffiths imposed a minimum term of 23 years for Michael Ives and 17 years for Kerry Ives, to be served concurrently with a six-year sentence for child cruelty. The child’s mother, Shannon Ives, 28, was also convicted of causing or allowing her son’s death and child cruelty, receiving a 12-year prison term.
Ethan had been living with his mother at his grandparents’ residence in Garden City, Flintshire, North Wales, after Shannon fled domestic violence in June. The boy tragically passed away in the hospital two days after the incident. Medical experts revealed that Ethan was severely dehydrated and would have died within 10 days even without the brain injury.
The family is advocating for “Ethan’s Law,” which aims to grant social services more authority when access to a child is denied. The petition for this law has garnered 35,000 signatures. The trial highlighted Ethan’s extreme physical condition at the time of his death, with 40 visible bruises on his body and a weight of only 10 kilograms.
The court also heard disturbing accounts of abuse within the family, with Shannon recalling a history of violence and mistreatment from her parents. Harrowing CCTV footage displayed Michael Ives handling the child roughly, leading to accusations of cruelty and neglect. Medical evidence indicated deliberate force or shaking as the cause of Ethan’s fatal head injury.
Following Ethan’s tragic death, a safeguarding review is underway to investigate the circumstances leading to the incident. Flintshire Council is cooperating with an independent child practice review initiated by the North Wales Safeguarding Board. Ethan’s aunt, Rebecca Shone, is urging support for “Ethan’s Law” to reform child protection protocols and ensure justice for the young victim.
