Killer grandparents sentenced for murder of two-year-old - live updates

The grandparents of a two-year-old boy, Ethan Ives-Griffiths, who was murdered at their home in Flintshire are being sentenced this morning at Mold Crown Court.

His mother, Shannon Ives, is also being sentenced for causing or allowing his death and cruelty to a child under 16.

In July, a jury delivered their unanimous verdicts following a six-week trial at Mold Crown Court. Michael Ives, 48, and Kerry Ives, 46, both of Kingsley Road, Garden City, Deeside, were convicted of the murder of their two-year-old grandson.

Shannon Ives, 28, of Rhes-y-Cae near Holywell, was also found guilty of causing or allowing his death and child cruelty.

Ethan suffered a catastrophic brain injury when he collapsed at the property and died in hospital two days later on August 16, 2021. He was severely dehydrated and malnourished, and had more than 40 visible injuries on his body.

During the trial, the two-year-old was said to have been subjected to "distress, pain and misery" in the weeks before his death and medical experts told the court his fatal head injury was caused by a deliberate use of force.

Follow live updates from Mold Crown Court here.