A man accused of murdering his two-year-old grandson has denied ever hitting or slapping the child, as he gave evidence in court.
Michael Ives, 47, told Mold Crown Court he never harmed Ethan Ives-Griffiths, who died on 16 August 2021 from a “catastrophic” brain injury after collapsing at his grandparents’ home.
Michael and his wife Kerry Ives, 46, both deny charges of murder, causing or allowing the death of a child, and cruelty to a child. Ethan’s mother, Shannon Ives, 28, from Mold in Flintshire, also denies causing or allowing his death and child cruelty.
The court heard that on 13 August, three days before Ethan’s death, Mr. Ives heard a loud noise and turned to see the toddler lying motionless on the floor. He described Ethan as “just staring” and said the child seemed disoriented for a couple of minutes before recovering. Despite concerns, he said Ethan seemed well enough to go shopping later that day.
Mr. Ives told the court that the following evening, he noticed a red mark near Ethan’s eyebrow. He claimed that Shannon, who had been alone with Ethan in a bedroom, dismissed it by saying the boy had “probably fallen.”
He then described the moment Ethan suddenly collapsed while watching television, saying the child’s legs turned “to jelly” and he couldn’t stand. Despite frantic efforts, Ethan never regained consciousness and died two days later at Alder Hey Hospital.
Taking the stand for his defence, Mr. Ives said his own upbringing had been difficult and described Shannon, his eldest daughter, as “quick-tempered.” He alleged that Shannon often yelled at Ethan and sometimes physically lashed out, including slapping the back of his head or delivering a “backhander to the mouth.”
“She told us it was her child and to stay out of it,” Mr. Ives said, adding that he had tried to intervene and told her she shouldn’t be behaving that way.
He admitted witnessing Shannon strike Ethan more than once and said the toddler sometimes bit his own lip hard enough to draw blood. Still, he insisted that neither he nor his wife Kerry ever physically punished Ethan or any other child.
When shown a home security image of himself carrying Ethan by one arm, Mr. Ives admitted it was wrong, explaining that he’d done it to avoid nettles on freshly cut grass. “But I know that’s no excuse,” he said, adding he should have held the child properly, with his legs around his waist.
The trial remains ongoing.
