Overview

• Shannon Ives told jurors at Mold Crown Court that Michael and Kerry Ives were “horrible” and subjected her and her siblings to years of physical abuse, including punching, kicking and belt strikes.
• She said her parents warned that if anyone saw Ethan’s injuries she would have him taken away, which prevented her from seeking medical attention for bruises she noticed on August 14, 2021.
• Ives described finding extensive bruising on Ethan’s arms and legs the day he collapsed and accused her parents of dismissing explanations that he kept falling over.
• CCTV from August 4, 2021 captured Michael Ives lifting the toddler by one arm in the garden, an image Shannon called “disgusting” and one that intensified her fear of speaking out.
• The jury will now weigh Shannon’s account against forensic evidence of mixed-age brain bleeds, dehydration and malnutrition as the trial of Michael, Kerry and Shannon Ives continues.