Grandparents sentenced to life imprisonment for murder of grandson

The grandparents of a two-year-old boy have been sentenced to life imprisonment for his murder.

Michael Ives, 48, and his wife Kerry Ives, 46 were at home with their grandson, Ethan Ives, on 14 August 2021. Ethan’s mother, Shannon Ives, 26, was in a room upstairs and was called downstairs to find that her son was unconscious and unresponsive.

Emergency services were called by Kerry Ives after a delay of 18 minutes. Paramedics noticed that Ethan’s lips were dry and cracked and that he had bruises. 

The medial team at the hospital noted that Ethan was dehydrated and malnourished and was showing signs of a serious head injury. 

Despite the efforts of the medical team, Ethan died on 16 August 2021. 

The police investigation which followed found a large volume of CCTV from the Ives’ own home showing the physical and emotional abuse Ethan had been subjected to in the weeks leading to his death.

Michael and Kerry Ives denied they were responsible for Ethan’s death, blaming their daughter, Shannon, for the injuries.

Shannon Ives admitted she had taken no steps to protect her son from her own parents, knowing they were a risk to him, saying she was scared of them.

Having heard all the evidence in the case, a jury found Michael and Kerry Ives guilty of murder and cruelty to a child. Shannon Ives was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child, and cruelty to a child. 

Nicola Rees of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “This case has been one of the most shocking I have dealt with as a prosecutor.

“The CCTV evidence showing how Ethan was singled out and abused was harrowing. The acts of cruelty, both physically and emotionally, were on a level rarely seen. 

“The Crown Prosecution Service used the evidence from the Ives’ own CCTV to show the jury how Ethan was treated, resulting in these convictions. 

“Being grandparents and a parent, the three defendants should have cared for and protected Ethan, but they did not.

“Our thoughts remain with Ethan’s father and family who have suffered a heart-breaking loss.”

All three defendants were sentenced on 3 October 2025 at Mold Crown Court where Michael Ives was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to serve a minimum of 23 years. Kerry Ives was sentenced to life imprisonment and was ordered to serve a minimum of 17 years. Shannon Ives was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment.