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

Grandparents who murdered toddler after horrific abuse will not face extended jail terms

Michael Ives, 48, and his wife Kerry Ives, 47, were sentenced to life in prison for the murder of their two-year-old grandson Ethan Ives-Griffiths. However, the Court of Appeal in London has ruled that their sentences should remain unchanged.

A tragic case of prolonged abuse

Ethan, who was only two, collapsed with a severe head injury at his grandparents’ residence in Flintshire, North Wales, in August 2021. At the time, he was extremely dehydrated, underweight, and showed clear signs of physical abuse, including bruises and other visible marks.

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

The post-mortem examination revealed that the toddler had sustained more than 40 injuries, along with catastrophic brain trauma, leaving him painfully thin at just 10 kilograms. The court heard that Ethan had been placed on the child protection register, requiring regular check-ins every ten days. Yet, when his mother last spoke to a social worker on August 5, she claimed Ethan was simply having a nap.

Appeal and judicial reasoning

Bill Emlyn Jones KC, representing the Solicitor General, argued that the sentences—23 years for Michael and 17 years for Kerry—were too lenient. He emphasized the severity of the abuse and its impact on the crime. However, the panel of judges was not convinced.

Lord Justice Popplewell noted that the sentencing judge, Mr Justice Griffiths, had clearly considered the circumstances. “He says that when sentencing for the murder, the judge could not separate the aggravating factors of the crime from the prior abuse,” the judge added. “We are not persuaded that the sentence was unduly lenient.”

Additional evidence included CCTV footage showing Michael carrying Ethan by the arm and appearing to strike him after placing him in a car seat. Other clips depicted the boy walking with an unsteady gait in the garden, suggesting early effects of brain injuries. To humiliate Ethan, Michael would force him to stand with his hands on his head, according to the court.

Outcome for the family

Ethan’s mother, Shannon Ives, 28, of Rhes-y-Cae near Holywell, was found guilty of causing or allowing his death and of child cruelty. She received a 12-year prison term. Her legal team, led by Gordon Cole KC, appealed, claiming the sentence was too harsh and that the judge hadn’t fully accounted for her personal mitigating factors.

Lord Justice Popplewell stated that the judges had thoroughly reviewed the arguments but remained unconvinced that they warranted altering the sentences. The decision concludes that the original terms were fair and appropriate.