GRANDPARENTS GUILTY OF MURDER IN HEARTBREAKING CASE OF ETHAN
Kerry Ives, aged 46, the grandparent of two-year-old Ethan Ives-Griffiths, has been found guilty of his murder at Mold Crown Court.Ethan tragically died two days after collapsing at his grandparents' home in Flintshire on August 16, 2021.
The court heard Ethan was subjected to severe neglect and abuse, with 40 visible injuries on his body and evidence suggesting deliberate head injury possibly caused by forceful shaking.
Police revealed CCTV footage showing Michael Ives carrying Ethan by the top of his arm, and medical experts explained Ethan's brain was very swollen, resembling having a stroke.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Chris Bell stated that Ethan's suffering was beyond understanding and he believed his injuries were inflicted intentionally.
Michael and Kerry Ives denied murder but were convicted after evidence including CCTV and medical reports.
Shannon Ives, the child's mother, was also found guilty of causing or allowing her son's death and child cruelty, with the court ordering the possibility of life imprisonment for all involved.
The judge, Mr.
Justice Griffiths, ordered pre-sentence reports, with Michael and Kerry Ives facing life imprisonment and Shannon Ives potentially serving many years.
The trial revealed a disturbing history, including missed social services visits and a timeline of escalating abuse before Ethan's death, highlighting a tragic case of neglect by those responsible for his care.
