Overview

• A Mold Crown Court jury convicted Michael and Kerry Ives of murdering their two-year-old grandson and found his mother, Shannon Ives, guilty of causing or allowing his death and child cruelty.
• Court heard that at the time of his collapse Ethan weighed just 10kg, was dangerously dehydrated and bore 40 visible bruises from repeated abuse.
• CCTV showed Michael Ives carrying Ethan by the upper arm, appearing to strike him and subjecting the boy to humiliating discipline techniques.
• Evidence revealed that required ten-day child protection visits were not carried out and a health visitor appointment was cancelled days before Ethan’s fatal collapse.
• Sentencing for all three defendants is scheduled for October 3, 2025, and Flintshire Council is cooperating with an independent review into the case’s safeguarding failures.