**Heartfelt Tribute Paid by Father of Ethan Ives-Griffiths Following Grandparents’ Convictions for Murder**
A poignant tribute has been made by the father of two-year-old Ethan Ives-Griffiths, after the toddler’s grandparents were found guilty of his murder at Mold Crown Court. The jury delivered its verdict on Michael and Kerry Ives, both convicted of murder and child cruelty, bringing to a close a harrowing and deeply emotional legal process that has gripped the local community in Flintshire, Wales.
Ethan died in August 2021, just two days after collapsing at the home of his grandparents in Garden City, Flintshire. Medical staff at the hospital were unable to save the young boy, who had sustained fatal injuries. The events leading to Ethan’s tragic death also saw his mother, Shannon Ives, face charges. Shannon Ives, aged 28 and from Rhes-y-Cae near Holywell, was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child, as well as cruelty towards a child under 16. At the time, Shannon had been living at her parents’ address, where the incident occurred.
Outside the court, Will Griffiths, Ethan’s father, addressed those gathered, surrounded by police officers who had worked on the lengthy investigation. Mr Griffiths described his late son as “smiley and loving”, words which captured the innocent spirit of a young boy whose life was cut short in such tragic circumstances. While the lengthy court proceedings delivered a measure of justice for Ethan, Mr Griffiths acknowledged the irreplaceable loss the family has suffered.
Mr Griffiths extended his gratitude to his family for their unwavering support through his bereavement and the challenges of the investigation and trial. “Although my time with Ethan was far too brief, his memory will forever remain cherished,” he explained. “He’ll always live on in our hearts and memories.” He went on to express his thanks to North Wales Police, acknowledging their perseverance in pursuing justice for his son during what was undoubtedly a complex and emotionally taxing case.
The officer leading the investigation, Detective Superintendent Chris Bell, offered further perspective on the case, stating that his team had shown extraordinary commitment, putting the pursuit of justice for Ethan above their own wellbeing at times. Det Supt Bell commended the investigation unit and all those within North Wales Police who contributed to resolving the harrowing circumstances surrounding Ethan’s death. According to Det Supt Bell, the collective response from the police illustrated the finest values of British policing.
The months-long trial revealed distressing details of neglect and cruelty that shocked the local community. The conviction of Ethan’s grandparents was met with a wave of reactions, ranging from grief to relief that those responsible have been brought to account. For many, these legal proceedings have provided some reassurance that the system continues to prioritise the protection and dignity of vulnerable children.
This case highlights the challenging realities faced by the police and justice system when investigating crimes involving children, especially when family members are implicated. North Wales Police reaffirmed their determination to stand up for victims like Ethan, promising to hold perpetrators to account regardless of the personal toll on those involved in the pursuit of justice.
Ethan Ives-Griffiths will be remembered not only as the centre of a tragic legal case but, according to his father, as a cheerful, outgoing, and loving young child whose life touched many. While the verdict cannot undo the profound loss experienced by his family and the local community, it does signal the end of a painful chapter and the beginning of a long process of healing.
The legal proceedings have now drawn to a close, but the memory of Ethan will, as his father poignantly remarked, forever endure in the hearts of those who loved him. As justice is served, the focus remains on supporting families affected by such tragedies and safeguarding the wellbeing of children across Wales and beyond.