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

Last year, Michael Ives, 48, and his wife Kerry Ives, 47, were sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of their two-year-old grandson, Ethan Ives-Griffiths. The court in Mold Crown Court ruled that the sentences, 23 years for Michael and 17 for Kerry, should remain unchanged.

Horrendous abuse led to fatal injuries

Ethan, who had been placed on the child protection register, collapsed with a severe head injury at his grandparents’ residence in Flintshire, North Wales, in August 2021. At the time of his death, the toddler was dangerously dehydrated and underweight, measuring just 10 kilograms. He bore extensive physical evidence of maltreatment, including multiple bruises and over 40 injuries across his body.

Lord Justice Popplewell noted that Ethan was ‘painfully thin’ and displayed ‘painfully thin’ and ‘severely underweight’ when he collapsed, with visible marks and bruises.

The prosecution had argued that the sentences were ‘unduly lenient,’ with Bill Emlyn Jones KC, representing the Solicitor General, requesting an appeal to the Court of Appeal in London. However, the panel of judges dismissed the request, concluding the penalties were appropriately determined.

Aggravating factors considered in sentencing

In his judgment, Lord Justice Popplewell highlighted Ethan’s ‘brave’ and ‘resilient’ nature, emphasizing that his grandparents had ‘not liked him standing up for himself.’ The judge also cited CCTV footage showing Michael Ives lifting his grandson by the arm and delivering a blow, followed by the child’s unsteady gait in the garden, suggesting prior head trauma.

Lord Justice Popplewell stated, ‘On behalf of the Solicitor General, Mr Jones contends that for Michael and Kerry the minimum terms of 23 years, and 17 years, respectively, were unduly lenient.’

Additionally, the judge noted that Michael Ives had been compelled to stand with his hands raised, an act intended to humiliate him. The panel found no grounds to alter the sentences, affirming that the sentencing judge, Mr Justice Griffiths, had thoroughly considered the circumstances.

Victim’s mother faces separate appeal

Ethan’s mother, Shannon Ives, 28, who had been residing at her parents’ home, was convicted of causing or allowing his death and sentenced to 12 years in prison. Her legal team, led by Gordon Cole KC, challenged the term, claiming it was ‘too long’ and that the judge overlooked her personal circumstances. The appeal was rejected, with the judges asserting that the arguments did not warrant intervention.