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

In a recent ruling, Michael Ives and his wife Kerry Ives were denied the chance to see their prison terms extended for the tragic death of their two-year-old grandson, Ethan Ives-Griffiths.

Case Overview

Michael Ives, 48, and Kerry Ives, 47, received life sentences last year at Mold Crown Court for the murder of Ethan. The boy, who was extremely dehydrated and severely underweight, collapsed with a severe head injury at his grandparents’ home in Flintshire, North Wales, in August 2021.

Following the incident, a detailed post-mortem examination revealed Ethan was ‘painfully thin,’ weighing just 10 kilograms, and had sustained over 40 injuries across his body, along with catastrophic brain damage. The findings underscored the prolonged abuse he endured before his death.

Sentencing Appeal

Bill Emlyn Jones KC, representing the Solicitor General, argued before the Court of Appeal in London that the minimum terms of 23 years for Michael and 17 years for Kerry were ‘unduly lenient.’ However, the panel of judges, including Lord Justice Popplewell, Mr Justice Sweeting, and Judge Penelope Moreland, maintained that the sentences were just.

Lord Justice Popplewell emphasized that Ethan was a ‘brave’ and ‘resilient’ child with a ‘strong character,’ and that his grandparents’ behavior—specifically their dislike of him asserting himself—contributed to the severity of the case.

The court noted that CCTV footage captured Michael Ives lifting his grandson by the arm and appearing to strike him after placing him in a car seat. Additional video showed the boy in the garden, walking with an unusual, wide stance and unsteady movement, which the judge linked to early signs of brain injuries.

To further humiliate Ethan, Michael would have him stand with hands on his head, according to the ruling. Despite Ethan being on the child protection register, requiring regular checks every 10 days, his mother told a social worker on August 5 that the child was ‘having a nap,’ unaware of the danger he faced.

Additional Charges

Ethan’s mother, Shannon Ives, 28, of Rhes-y-Cae, near Holywell, was convicted of causing or allowing his death and of child cruelty, receiving a 12-year sentence. Her legal team contested the severity of her punishment, claiming it was ‘too long’ and that the judge overlooked her personal circumstances.

Gordon Cole KC, representing Shannon, argued that the sentencing judge had not fully considered her mitigating factors. However, the appellate panel found the arguments insufficient to warrant changes to the original sentence.

Lord Justice Popplewell affirmed that the judges had thoroughly examined the case, concluding that the sentences were appropriate. The ruling highlighted the importance of the sentencing judge’s assessment of the grandparents’ culpability and the context of Ethan’s suffering before his fatal injuries.

Ethan was last seen with his family at Broughton Retail Park on August 13, 2021, just days prior to his collapse. The footage of him in a shopping trolley’s child seat became a key piece of evidence in the case.