Grandfather Accused of ‘Torturing’ Toddler Grandson with Prolonged Punishment, Murder Trial Hears
A North Wales grandfather stands accused of subjecting his young grandson to hours-long punishments, as startling details emerged this week in a murder trial that has gripped the region. The court at Mold Crown heard allegations that Michael Ives, 47, made his two-year-old grandson, Ethan Ives-Griffiths, repeatedly stand with his hands on his head—a form of discipline prosecutors described as tantamount to torture.
Ethan tragically died on 16 August 2021, following his collapse at the Garden City residence of his grandparents just two days earlier. Michael Ives and his wife, Kerry Ives, 46, both face charges of murder, causing or allowing the death of a child, and cruelty to a person under sixteen. The couple have entered not guilty pleas to each count. Ethan’s mother, Shannon Ives, 28, is also standing trial. She faces similar charges after prosecutors alleged she may have contributed to or failed to prevent her son’s suffering.
During the fourteenth day of the trial, the jury of seven women and five men were presented with transcripts from police interviews with the defendants. According to the prosecution’s account, Shannon agreed with detectives that the punishments meted out by her father could “absolutely” be classed as torture. When pressed as to why she failed to alert authorities or intervene, Shannon cited fear—telling police, “Because I’m scared of my dad.”
The court was also shown text messages purportedly sent by Michael Ives to another daughter, Nicole, in July 2021. In one message, he wrote, “Ethan needs to learn the hard way.” In his interviews with police, Michael claimed not to remember writing it or what he meant by the phrase. The defence has yet to fully articulate its response to these allegations.
The harrowing incident leading to Ethan’s death took place after he became unresponsive at his grandparents’ property on Kingsley Road. He was transferred from the Countess of Chester Hospital to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, where, despite efforts from medical staff, he passed away in mid-August. The case has raised broader concerns about the welfare and oversight of vulnerable children in family settings.
Shannon Ives, in her testimony, alleged that her father would force Ethan to stand with his legs apart and his hands aloft for “one or two hours at a time”—although she admitted she did not personally witness him standing for the entire duration. She recounted how, should Ethan lower his arms, Michael would admonish him to place them back on his head. “My dad said he needs to learn and be disciplined,” Shannon told the court, “and I said, ‘He’s two!’”
Another sorrowful detail emerged concerning Ethan’s health. Shannon described how, in summer 2021, her son’s physical condition deteriorated significantly during a lengthy stay at his grandparents’ home. “He went from chunky to skinny in just a few weeks,” she said, noting her shock when Ethan’s clothing became noticeably loose. New, smaller clothes had to be purchased, as standard-sized outfits for his age group no longer fit.
Challenged over Ethan’s dramatic weight loss, Shannon said her parents claimed the toddler was eating “three or four meals a day.” Yet, doubts remained about what was really happening at the Garden City residence. Shannon further alleged she was too frightened to share concerns with social workers, stating her belief that “mainly my dad” was responsible for her son’s injuries. She claimed her parents were more interested in her benefit payments than the family’s well-being, declaring, “They just want me there for my money—they don’t act like family.”
In the witness box, Michael Ives presented a different narrative. He asserted that Ethan’s problematic behaviour intensified when Shannon joined him at his house, describing occasions when the boy would “ram” food into his mouth and risk choking. Michael denied being physically rough with the child, maintaining he was present during Ethan’s collapse but insisting he had never harmed him. He acknowledged, however, carrying Ethan by one arm on two occasions, which he characterised as “horrible” and said he felt “sick” for doing so.
As the trial proceeds, the jury faces the complex task of disentangling sharply differing accounts and assessing the weight of the evidence. Child protection campaigners say the case highlights the critical need for vigilance where children are at risk, even within extended families.
The hearing at Mold Crown Court is ongoing, with further testimony and cross-examination expected in the coming days. The court’s verdict will be keenly watched across North Wales, as questions are raised about how vulnerable children can be better safeguarded in future.