A couple has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of their two-year-old grandson after he endured suffering and eventually passed away due to a severe brain injury. Michael Ives, 47, and Kerry Ives, 46, were found guilty by a jury following a five-week trial in July for the death of Ethan Ives-Griffiths, who was described as “painfully thin” and weighed only 10 kilograms at the time of his tragic demise on August 14, 2021, at their residence in Garden City, Flintshire, North Wales.
During the trial at Mold Crown Court, it was revealed that Ethan had suffered from dehydration and had over 40 visible bruises on his body. The court heard that the young boy collapsed and died in the hospital two days later. His mother, Shannon Ives, 28, was also found guilty of causing or allowing his death and child cruelty and was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Ethan’s extended family has initiated a petition called “Ethan’s Law,” aimed at granting social services increased authority in situations where access to a child is denied. The petition has garnered over 35,000 signatures. The trial presented distressing evidence, including CCTV footage showing Michael Ives mistreating Ethan and the neglectful behavior leading up to the toddler’s collapse.
Medical experts testified that Ethan had sustained abdominal injuries likely caused by blows in the days preceding his collapse, in addition to the fatal head injury inflicted by deliberate force or shaking. The court also learned that Ethan had been on the child protection register but had minimal personal visits within the critical period leading up to his death.
Flintshire Council is currently cooperating with an independent child practice review to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ethan’s tragic death. Ethan’s aunt, Rebecca Shone, is urging people to support the implementation of Ethan’s Law to enhance child protection measures and honor Ethan’s memory by seeking justice for his untimely demise.