Grandparents deny murdering two-year-old

The grandparents of a toddler that died in Garden City, Flintshire, deny murder

The grandparents of a two-year-old boy who suffered a fatal brain injury have denied his murder.

Michael Ives, 46, and Kerry Ives, 45, pleaded not guilty to murder, causing or allowing the death of a child and cruelty to a person under the age of 16.

The pair appeared at Mold Crown Court via video link from separate prisons on Friday.

Ethan Ives Griffiths was discovered at the home of Michael and Kerry Ives in Garden City, Flintshire, in August 2021.

The alleged cruelty took place from 8 June, 2021, until the toddler's death.

Ethan's mother, Shannon Ives, 27, from Mold, denied causing or allowing the death of a child and cruelty to a person under the age of 16.

The pair were remanded in custody and the boy’s mother, Shannon Ives, was released on bail.

Judge Rhys Rowlands said a trial is expected to be held on 11 November.