A couple in Flintshire, North Wales, have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of their two-year-old grandson, Ethan Ives-Griffiths. Michael Ives, 48, and his wife Kerry, 46, subjected the toddler to weeks of horrific abuse at their home on Kingsley Road, Garden City.
Ethan was found dangerously dehydrated, severely underweight, and covered in bruises when he collapsed with a catastrophic head injury in August 2021. The pair denied murder, but Mold Crown Court heard evidence of sustained physical and emotional cruelty, including CCTV footage showing Michael Ives carrying the child by the arm and appearing to punch him.
Sentencing, Mr Justice Griffiths described Ethan as a 'brave and resilient boy with a strong character' who was defiant when hit. He said the grandparents 'decided to break him'. Michael Ives was ordered to serve at least 23 years, and Kerry Ives a minimum of 17 years, before parole eligibility.
Ethan's mother, Shannon Ives, 28, was found guilty of causing or allowing his death and child cruelty. The judge noted she knew her parents were violent and saw them hit Ethan but failed to protect him. She will be sentenced at a later date.
In a victim impact statement, Ethan's father, William Griffiths, expressed anger and sorrow, saying the toddler must have felt 'sad and alone' in his final weeks. He described the loss as 'any family's worst nightmare'.
The trial heard that Ethan was on the child protection register, but social services visits were missed or cancelled in the days before his death. Jurors were visibly upset during proceedings.
