Grandparents who murdered toddler after campaign of horrific abuse will not have their jail sentences increased
Grandparents’ Life Sentences for Grandson’s Murder Remain Unchanged
In a recent ruling, the Court of Appeal in London has decided not to extend the prison terms of Michael Ives, 48, and Kerry Ives, 47, for the manslaughter of their two-year-old grandson Ethan Ives-Griffiths. The couple, who had subjected the child to severe mistreatment over time, were originally sentenced to life imprisonment for the crime.
A Harrowing Case of Abuse
Ethan, who lived with his grandparents in Flintshire, North Wales, collapsed in August 2021 due to extreme dehydration and severe underweight, with visible injuries and bruises. His death was attributed to a catastrophic head injury, which followed a pattern of relentless abuse.
“Ethan was ‘painfully thin’ and weighed just 10 kilograms at the time of his collapse,” stated the post-mortem report, which uncovered more than 40 physical injuries and catastrophic brain trauma.
Michael Ives received a minimum of 23 years in prison, while Kerry Ives was sentenced to 17 years. During the appeal, Bill Emlyn Jones KC, representing the Solicitor General, argued that the terms were too lenient, citing the severity of the abuse as justification for harsher penalties.
Assessment of the Sentences
The appeal panel, including Lord Justice Popplewell, Mr Justice Sweeting, and Judge Penelope Moreland, concluded that the sentences appropriately reflected the crime. “Ethan was a brave and resilient boy with a strong character,” Popplewell noted, emphasizing that the grandparents’ actions were driven by their dislike of the child’s assertiveness.
CCTV footage provided critical evidence, showing Michael Ives lifting his grandson by the arm and delivering a punch before placing him in a car seat. Additional clips revealed the boy walking with an unsteady gait in the garden, potentially indicating early signs of brain injuries from prior assaults.
Mother’s Role and Appeal
Ethan’s mother, Shannon Ives, 28, was convicted of causing or allowing his death and of child cruelty, receiving a 12-year sentence. Her legal team, led by Gordon Cole KC, contested the punishment, claiming the term was excessive and that the judge overlooked her personal circumstances.
“The judge was very well placed to assess her culpability and personal mitigation,” said Lord Justice Popplewell, highlighting that the panel remained unconvinced by the argument for reducing her sentence.
The case also highlighted Ethan’s last appearance with his family at Broughton Retail Park on August 13, 2021, just days before his fatal collapse. Despite being on the child protection register, his mother had informed a social worker that Ethan was resting on August 5, contradicting the evidence of ongoing abuse.