Two-year-old suffered months of cruelty before fatal head injury
A FLINTSHIRE couple have been found guilty of the brutal murder of their two-year-old grandson, Ethan Ives-Griffiths, following what prosecutors described as a prolonged period of cruelty and abuse.
Michael Ives, 47, and Kerry Ives, 46, were convicted of murder at Mold Crown Court on Tuesday (July 15) in connection with the toddler’s death on 16 August 2021. The court heard that Ethan suffered a catastrophic head injury at the couple’s home in Garden City and was found to be severely underweight, dangerously dehydrated, and covered in more than 40 visible bruises.
Ethan’s mother, Shannon Ives, 28, who had been staying with her son at her parents’ house at the time, was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child, as well as child cruelty. The three will be sentenced on 3 October.
“Targeted for abuse”
Throughout the six-week trial, the court was told how Ethan had been “targeted for abuse and subjected to casual cruelty” in the weeks leading up to his death. CCTV footage from the Ives’ garden showed the child repeatedly falling and struggling to stay on his feet while playing outside. At one point, his own mother bounced on a trampoline, knocking him over.
One of the most harrowing pieces of footage showed Michael Ives carrying Ethan by the top of his arm “like a bag of rubbish,” according to the prosecution. Other punishments reportedly included forcing the toddler to stand with his hands on his head for extended periods.
The abuse culminated on 14 August when Kerry Ives phoned for an ambulance, claiming Ethan had collapsed while watching television. Paramedics found him unresponsive. He was transferred to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool but died two days later.
Warnings missed
The trial revealed a catalogue of missed opportunities by professionals. Ethan had been placed on the child protection register, with visits scheduled every 10 days. However, a planned visit on 5 August was thwarted when the family claimed they were isolating with Covid. Subsequent attempts to check on the child were unsuccessful, and a health visitor appointment for 13 August was cancelled.
Despite clear safeguarding concerns, no urgent intervention took place before Ethan’s death.
Family feud and shifting blame
During the trial, Michael and Kerry Ives attempted to deflect blame onto their daughter, alleging she was violent and regularly slapped Ethan. Michael Ives described Shannon as “quick-tempered” and claimed she hit the boy “a couple of times a day.”
Shannon, in turn, accused her parents of longstanding abuse, claiming they had been violent towards her in childhood and had taken over caring for Ethan in a toxic, controlling environment.
The jury deliberated for nearly seven hours before delivering unanimous guilty verdicts.
Life sentences expected
Addressing the court after the verdicts, Mr Justice Griffiths told Michael and Kerry Ives they should expect life sentences.
“There is only one sentence for murder and that is life imprisonment,” he said. “The minimum term will be many years from now.”
He also warned that Shannon Ives faced “a substantial prison sentence” and said custody was “very unlikely to be avoided.”
Tributes and investigation
Outside court, Ethan’s father, Will Griffiths, spoke of the precious time he shared with his son.
“Ethan will be remembered for the smiley, outgoing, loving child that he was. He can now rest in peace knowing that justice has been served,” he said.
Detective Superintendent Chris Bell of North Wales Police said Ethan’s carers “should have provided love and protection. Instead, they caused pain and suffering.”
The North Wales Safeguarding Board has confirmed it will lead a multi-agency review into the case. Flintshire County Council said it would cooperate fully with the independent process, which is expected to conclude in 2026.
