Lifestyle

Horror in Garden City as Toddler Dies After ‘Discipline’ Turns Into Nightmare at Grandparents’ Home

Published on June 29, 2025

The heartbreaking case of two-year-old Ethan Ives-Griffiths, who died after allegedly being subjected to horrific “discipline” at the hands of his grandfather, has shocked the courtroom and the public alike. Details emerging from the trial have painted a deeply disturbing picture of what little Ethan endured in the weeks leading up to his death.

Ethan collapsed at his grandparents’ home in Garden City, North Wales, and died just two days later on 16 August 2021. His grandparents, Michael Ives, 47, and Kerry Ives, 46, are both facing charges of murder, child cruelty, and causing or allowing the death of a child – all of which they deny. Ethan’s mother, Shannon Ives, 28, is also in the dock, denying charges of child cruelty and causing or allowing her son’s death, reported the Mirror.

The trial at Mold Crown Court has now entered its third week, with emotional testimony and police interview transcripts revealing the brutal conditions Ethan allegedly faced. Shannon told officers her father believed Ethan “needed to be disciplined”, but she couldn’t believe what she was hearing, replying, “He’s two!”

She also admitted that her father would force Ethan to stand with his hands on his head and legs apart for long periods – up to two hours at a time. She acknowledged to police that yes, this amounted to torture. Asked why she didn’t speak out or go to authorities, she said simply, “Because I’m scared of my dad.”

Shannon also claimed she noticed a dramatic change in Ethan’s appearance after he started staying with her parents in June 2021. The once “chunky” toddler had become “skinny”, she said, explaining that clothes for his age no longer fit and she had to buy smaller sizes. When she asked her parents about it, they insisted Ethan was eating three or four meals a day.

The court heard that Shannon kept quiet around social workers because of her fear of her father’s reaction. “He’d go mental,” she said, explaining her silence. She also claimed her parents weren’t acting out of love or concern, but were using her for her benefits, saying, “They just want me there for my money… they don’t act like family.”

Text messages between Michael and another daughter revealed even more chilling intent, with one message saying, “Ethan needs to learn the hard way,” just a month before the toddler’s death.

Michael Ives admitted in his police interviews that he felt “disgusted with himself” for carrying Ethan by one arm to the car in August 2021, and “sick” for doing it again later that month. He also admitted being present during the two incidents where Ethan collapsed on August 13 and 14.

Despite all this, when asked directly how Ethan had been killed in his home, he said, “I don’t know… 100% on my life I’ve never touched him.”

Michael also claimed Ethan’s behaviour worsened when his daughter Shannon was around, saying the toddler would “ram” food into his mouth and “choke.” He alleged Shannon once told Ethan, “You need to f*** off in care, you little bastard.”

As the trial continues, the evidence being laid out is becoming increasingly harrowing. The jury has a heavy task ahead as they work to untangle what really happened to Ethan in his final weeks — and who was ultimately responsible for his tragic and untimely death.

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