Grandparents who murdered toddler after campaign of horrific abuse will not have their jail sentences increased

Grandparents Convicted of Killing Grandson Will Not Face Sentence Increases

Michael Ives, 48, and his wife Kerry Ives, 47, were found guilty of the brutal murder of their two-year-old grandson, Ethan Ives-Griffiths. Despite a request from the Solicitor General to raise their prison terms, the Court of Appeal in London has ruled that the sentences handed down last year remain just.

A Case of Severe Abuse and Tragic Consequences

Ethan’s death occurred in August 2021 at his grandparents’ residence in Flintshire, North Wales. At the time of the incident, the toddler was critically dehydrated and underweight, with visible injuries and bruises. His collapse was attributed to a severe head injury, marking the culmination of months of mistreatment.

The post-mortem examination uncovered harrowing details: Ethan weighed just 10 kilograms and bore more than 40 injuries across his body, alongside catastrophic brain trauma. His grandparents’ actions, which included physically abusing him and subjecting him to humiliation, were central to the case.

Sentence Arguments and Judicial Rulings

Bill Emlyn Jones KC, representing the Solicitor General, urged the Court of Appeal to increase the minimum terms of 23 years for Michael and 17 years for Kerry. He claimed the sentences were “unduly lenient,” emphasizing the aggravating factors of the crime. However, the three judges—Lord Justice Popplewell, Mr Justice Sweeting, and Judge Penelope Moreland—maintained that the sentences accurately reflected the severity of the offense.

“Ethan was a brave and resilient boy with a strong character,” said Lord Justice Popplewell. “His grandparents did not like him standing up for himself.”

The court noted that CCTV footage captured Michael Ives handling Ethan roughly, including lifting him by the arm and appearing to strike him. Additional video showed the toddler walking with an unsteady gait in the garden, likely a result of prior head trauma. Ethan had also been forced to stand with his hands on his head as a form of punishment.

Child Protection and Family Context

Ethan had been placed on the child protection register, requiring regular check-ins every 10 days. His mother, Shannon Ives, 28, had been staying at her parents’ home when the incident occurred. On August 5, she informed a social worker that Ethan was napping, though the abuse had been ongoing. The last sighting of the boy with his family was at Broughton Retail Park on August 13, just days before his death.

Shannon was sentenced to 12 years for causing or allowing Ethan’s death and for child cruelty. Her legal team, represented by Gordon Cole KC, challenged the sentence, arguing it was “too long” and that the judge overlooked her personal circumstances. The court, however, stated the judges had thoroughly considered these points and remained unconvinced of any justification to alter the terms.