Grandparents who murdered toddler after campaign of horrific abuse will not have their jail sentences increased
Grandparents who murdered toddler after campaign of horrific abuse will not have their jail sentences increased
A pair of grandparents convicted of killing their grandson after prolonged abuse have been denied longer prison terms. The pair, Michael Ives, 48, and Kerry Ives, 47, were initially sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of two-year-old Ethan Ives-Griffiths in August 2021.
Terrible abuse led to fatal injuries
The toddler, who was found extremely dehydrated and severely underweight, collapsed with a severe head injury at his grandparents’ residence in Flintshire, North Wales. A post-mortem examination revealed Ethan weighed just 10 kilograms and had endured more than 40 physical injuries, alongside catastrophic brain trauma.
“Ethan was a brave and resilient boy with a strong character,” stated Lord Justice Popplewell during the judgment. “His grandparents did not like him standing up for himself.”
The Court of Appeal in London reviewed appeals to raise the sentences, with Solicitor General’s counsel, Bill Emlyn Jones KC, arguing that the minimum terms of 23 years for Michael and 17 years for Kerry were insufficient. However, the judges ruled the sentences were fair and justified.
Key evidence from CCTV and witness accounts
CCTV footage captured Mr. Ives lifting his grandson by the top of his arm and appearing to strike him before placing him in a car seat. Another clip showed the boy walking in the garden with an unsteady gait, potentially indicating early signs of brain damage from prior assaults. The judge noted that Mr. Ives sometimes forced Ethan to stand with his hands raised, a tactic to humiliate him.
Despite Ethan being on the child protection register and monitored every 10 days, his mother last saw the social worker on August 5 and claimed the child was resting. The boy was last spotted with his family at Broughton Retail Park on August 13, just days before his death.
Mother’s appeal against her sentence
Ethan’s mother, Shannon Ives, 28, of Rhes-y-Cae, near Holywell, was convicted of neglect and cruelty, receiving a 12-year prison term. Her lawyer, Gordon Cole KC, contested the length of her sentence, asserting that the judge had overlooked her personal circumstances. The appeal was dismissed, as the judges felt the punishment was well-considered and appropriate.
Lord Justice Popplewell concluded that the sentencing judge, Mr. Justice Griffiths, had clearly evaluated the gravity of the case and the culpability of both grandparents. The panel remained unconvinced that the terms were overly lenient, despite arguments presented during the appeal process.