Family of toddler murdered by grandparents say review delay is 'another failure'

The family of a toddler murdered by his grandparents has criticised the delay of a review into social services' contact with the little boy.

Ethan Ives-Griffiths, two, was murdered by Michael and Kerry Ives at their home in Garden City, Flintshire, in August 2021. Their daughter, Shannon Ives – Ethan's mother – was convicted of child cruelty and of causing or allowing his death.

The North Wales Safeguarding Board had expected to receive a report in early 2026, looking into agency contact with Ethan. However, the board said further interviews were still needed, and it is not known when the report will be published.

Ethan's paternal grandmother, Kellie Shone, said any delay was "another failure".

Shone, who lives in Flint, said: "Ethan was failed by social services when he needed the protection the most.

"Now, after everything our family has been through, the delay in releasing the review feels like another failure.

"Not just to us, but to the public who also deserve answers - and so does every child who relies on the system to keep them safe.

"When a child dies after system failures, delaying the independent review only deepens concern and undermines confidence in those responsible for protecting vulnerable children.

"There must be accountability when the system meant to protect children fails.

"The public deserves clear answers about what went wrong and what will change moving forward."

Ethan died in August 2021 after suffering a catastrophic brain injury which the prosecution claimed was caused by one, or both, of his maternal grandparents.

During the seven weeks he lived with them, he became severely malnourished and dehydrated, and had more than 40 injuries on his body when he died.

Ethan was placed on the child protection register after his mother, Shannon, and father, Will Griffiths, split in June 2021.

The toddler, his siblings and his mother went to live with the Ives.

A trial at Mold Crown Court in 2025, heard Ethan should have been seen every 10 days because he was on the register.

However, the last time he was seen by a social worker was 22 July 2021 - more than three weeks before he died on 16 August.

Social workers and health visitors made a number of attempts to see Ethan in the weeks before his death, but were given excuses.

During one visit, on 5 August, a social worker remained on the doorstep for about 45 minutes - because of Covid restrictions - but did not see Ethan because his mother said he was napping.

There was no answer when the social worker and a health visitor attempted to visit Shannon Ives and Ethan on 12 August.

Shannon Ives did not respond to a call the next day either.

At the conclusion of the trial last year, Flintshire Council said: "In keeping with our determination to protect those who need us most", it was "co-operating with the North Wales Safeguarding Board, who are leading a multi-agency review of this tragic case".

The North Wales Safeguarding Board is overseeing a Child Practice Review. It had anticipated the report being presented to the board in the early part of 2026.

But following a "learning event" held earlier this month, further work is needed.

The safeguarding board told BBC Wales: "At present, the board is unable to provide an exact publication date.

"It's always difficult to predict exactly when a Child Practice Review will be published as the reviewers will always be led by the information which comes forward.

"On this occasion, and following the initial learning event held in February, the panel identified the need to undertake further interviews to ensure that the knowledge that informs the review is as robust as possible.

"As a result, the publication is likely to be later in 2026."

Michael Ives was jailed for life in October 2025, with a minimum term of 23 years. His wife Kerry was also jailed for life, with a 17-year minimum term. Ethan's mother, Shannon, was jailed for 12 years.

BBC Wales has learned there will be a hearing next month to decide whether to increase the sentences of Michael and Kerry Ives.

A spokesperson for the Attorney General's Office said: "We received a request for this sentence to be considered under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

"The Law Officers referred Michael and Kerry Ives' sentences to the Court of Appeal as they agree that both their sentences appear unduly lenient. It is now for the court to decide whether to increase the sentences."