Grandparents guilty of murder of Ethan Ives-Griffiths
A grandfather and grandmother from Deeside have been found guilty of the murder of their two-year-old grandson, Ethan Ives-Griffiths, following a six-week trial at Mold Crown Court that laid bare a disturbing pattern of child cruelty and abuse.
Guilty Verdicts in Tragic Case
- Michael Ives, 47, and Kerry Ives, 46, both of Kingsley Road, Garden City, were convicted of murder and child cruelty.
- Ethan’s mother, Shannon Ives, 28, of Nant Garmon, Mold, was found guilty of causing or allowing his death, and also of child cruelty.
The jury of seven women and five men delivered their unanimous verdicts on Tuesday afternoon.
All three are due to be sentenced at Mold Crown Court on Friday, 3 October.
“Distress, Pain and Misery Before Brutal Murder”
During the trial, the court heard that Ethan was subjected to sustained neglect, cruel punishment, and brutal assaults in the home he shared with his grandparents and mother.
When Ethan failed to comply with the wishes of Michael Ives, he was allegedly placed in stress positions, deprived of food and water, and violently beaten. His suffering stood in sharp contrast to the treatment of his siblings.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Chris Bell condemned the behaviour of the defendants:
“Michael, Kerry and Shannon Ives held positions of responsibility and should have shown Ethan love, care and protection.
Instead, Michael caused distress, pain and misery to his grandson before brutally taking his life.”
“Kerry and Shannon both watched and took no action. Their behaviour was beyond comprehension. It is impossible to imagine the terror a two-year-old would feel in suffering the horrific injuries he endured.”
Seven Weeks of Abuse
Evidence presented to the court showed a heartbreaking deterioration in Ethan’s health over the seven weeks he lived with his grandparents. The abuse culminated in his murder in August 2021, nearly four years before today’s verdict.
The case shocked the community and the country, as details emerged of how the toddler suffered while those closest to him failed to protect him.
A Community’s Search for Justice
Detective Superintendent Bell praised the “immense strength and courage” of Ethan’s paternal family, who supported the investigation and conducted themselves with dignity during the painful proceedings.
He also acknowledged the work of police officers, medical experts, and prosecutors involved in the lengthy and complex four-year investigation, saying:
“This investigation has brought out the best in policing. I personally want to thank my team for everything they have done to secure this outcome for Ethan and his family today.”
Ethan Ives-Griffiths’ short life was marked by unimaginable cruelty at the hands of those who should have cherished him. Today, justice has been served, but the pain of his loss will remain with many for years to come.
If you are concerned about the safety or welfare of a child, contact your local authority or call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.
