Two-year-old Ethan Ives-Griffiths was murdered by his grandparents at home in Flintshire in August 2021
Both are given life sentences, with Michael Ives being told he must serve at least 23 years and Kerry Ives given a minimum term of 17 years
The couple starved and abused Ethan, leaving him "emaciated and covered in bruises"
Michael struck the fatal blow while his wife smiled, something described in court as "an act that would horrify any independent bystander"
Ethan's mum Shannon Ives, who was convicted of causing or allowing her son's death and child cruelty, is given a 12-year term
Speaking after the trio were jailed, Ethan's dad Will Griffiths says: "I can't describe the pain and anguish I have felt since losing him"
Ethan's paternal grandmother says Michael and Kerry Ives ran their home "like a cult"
WARNING: This live page contains details some people may find distressing
Grandparents who killed boy, 2, ran home 'like a cult'
George Herd reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter
Mr Edwards says he accepts that grandmother Kerry Ives will be "judged harshly by the public".
"There are no excuses for her acts of failure," he says
George Herd reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter
Defending Ethan's grandmother Kerry Ives, Owen Edwards says he wants to establish the limits of her involvement.
The barrister adds: "We do not seek to ignore the fact of the pitiful state of Ethan in hospital made nurses cry."
Mr Edwards said there should be a "significant distinction between her sentence and her husband's", arguing that her role in the murder was "secondary".
George Herd reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter
There is evidence Michael Ives was "struggling with his mental health at the time of the offences", says his defence barrister David Elias
"It might explain - or go some way to explain why these offences were committed," he adds.
The judge replies that another explanation was Ives "wanted to break Ethan's spirit".
Mr Elias adds that Michael Ives accepted the minimum term he would serve would exceed the starting point of 15 years of custody, before being eligible for parole.
George Herd reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter
Dealing with the child cruelty Ethan was subjected to before he was killed, the prosecution say they believe it falls into the highest category possible, with Ethan suffering serious harm at the hands of his grandparents and mother.
All three sat in the dock are responsible with a high degree of culpability, Ms Rees adds.
George Herd reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter
During the trial earlier this year, the court heard how Ethan collapsed for the first time on the 13 August 2021.
He was unresponsive for a number of minutes.
However, no medical help was sought.
In fact, an appointment to see a health visitor that day was cancelled.
In court today, the judge Mr Justice Griffiths noted Shannon Ives had "actively stopped that happening".
Prosecutor Ms Rees says if Ethan had been taken to that health clinic appointment "he would probably still be alive".
George Herd reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter
The prosecution says it is their case that as far as Shannon Ives is concerned, there were a number of features of high culpability for allowing Ethan's death.
Ms Rees says the evidence was of several "serious incidents of cruelty or neglect" witnessed by Ethan's mother.
The court was told Shannon Ives "did nothing" to intervene when she knew her son was at risk.
Hywel Griffith
BBC News' Wales Correspondent
The details of Ethan Ives-Griffiths’ brutal abuse and murder by those who should have loved him are shocking.
There are also tragic similarities to the death of another young boy in a different part of Wales only a few weeks earlier.
Five-year-old Logan Mwangi was killed in his Bridgend home by his mother, stepfather and a teenage boy in July 2021.
Logan was also the subject of violent attacks and punishments by his relatives behind closed doors.
Just like Ethan Ives-Griffiths, he too was known to social services and had been placed on the child protection register.
However, in both cases family members blocked entry when the authorities tried to visit.
Here are the three defendants arriving at Mold Crown Court this morning ahead of the sentencing.
They were each ushered from a van into the building by security staff.
Michael Ives wore a coat over his head.
George Herd reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter
Dealing with Shannon Ives, the prosecution say it is their case that Ethan's mother was guilty of allowing the death of the boy, rather than causing it.
Ms Rees clarifies that changes in sentencing laws to allow a life sentence to be imposed in such cases do not apply, as the offence took place before the rules were changed.
Brendon Williams reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter
Both Michael and Kerry Ives remain impassive as the prosecutor reminds the court of how they made their own grandson suffer.
Michael Ives is leaning forward as the court is reminded of the way he physically abused Ethan.
Kerry Ives is staring straight ahead as the court hears how she did absolutely nothing to intervene.
Shannon Ives has again closed her eyes.
George Herd reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter
"The final days of Ethan's life would have been thoroughly miserable," says Ms Rees.
She said the bullying and harassment of the child was captured on CCTV in the garden and front of the house, where he was seen being dragged by one arm by Michael Ives.
"We cannot say what happened behind closed doors," she added.
George Herd reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter
The prosecution says Ethan was in a home that was controlled through "violence and fear".
Ms Rees adds that medical evidence showed the toddler had sustained previous injuries while at the Kingsley Road home of his grandparents before his fatal injury.
George Herd reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter
Ms Rees argued that the delay in dialling 999 was to allow them to concoct a story about what had happened.
This included Michael and Kerry Ives pointing the finger of blame at their daughter Shannon, she added.
George Herd reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter
Prosecutor Caroline Rees says the starting point for any minimum sentence Michael and Kerry Ives must serve of a life sentence should begin at 15 years.
But she added: "15 years may be a starting point in this case but by no means the end point."
She said the aggravating factors in this case mean the minimum term should receive a "significant uplift" on that starting point.
She highlighted the severity of the injuries, the fact Ethan was dangerously dehydrated, and the delay in calling for help when the two-year-old collapsed at their Garden City home in Flintshire.
Brendon Williams reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter
Shannon Ives appears to have tears in her eyes as her former partner describes the pain he has been through after the death of their child.
Kerry Ives has bowed her head, while Michael Ives remains sat with his arms folded, watching Mr Griffiths give his statement.
Ethan's dad rounds off his statement, then leaves the courtroom to sit in the public gallery with his family.
George Herd reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter
"As a father I don’t think I will ever come to terms with the loss of Ethan, it’s a grief that’s unimaginable to any family, especially ours as we are all so close," says dad Will Griffiths.
"Ethan was a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin and was a huge part of our family.
"His memory will always be a blessing to know that he was loved by us and will never be forgotten. He will continue to live on in me forever."
Mr Griffiths finished his victim impact statement describing the loss of his son as a "void than can never be replaced for anyone who met and loved him".
George Herd reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter
Ethan's father told the court he still feels "dazed" by his loss.
"I keep thinking that Ethan should have been in a safe environment but ended up being abused in the most devastating way," he said.
He said he hoped Michael, Kerry and Shannon Ives would "acknowledge what they have done and are remorseful and have started to take responsibility for their actions".
"Ethan deserves to know that the world sees what happened to him," he added.
"That he mattered.
"And that he is a voice and will never be forgotten."
Brendon Williams reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter
The investigating police officers are in court, watching Mr Griffiths, who has his family liaison officer sat next to him as he reads.
The judge, Mr Justice Griffiths, is also watching him intently.
The entire court, including the public gallery, is silent - all listening to every word of what is a very powerful statement.
George Herd reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter
Will Griffiths, Ethan's father, is delivering an emotional statement in court about the impact the murder has had on him and his family.
He says: "What happened to Ethan has changed everything in my life.
"At times I don’t feel like that it’s real that Ethan is no longer with us and I often find myself thinking I can hear his affectionate laugh, and it reminds me what a beautiful son he was and how lucky I was to be his dad."
Mr Griffiths said he felt he could finally grieve, knowing those responsible would be held accountable in court today.
He added: "Ethan will never be forgotten and will always live on in our hearts and I have come to accept that the cherished memories that I do have now give me comfort rather than pain and grief."
Image source, North Wales Police/PA WireBrendon Williams reporting from Mold Crown Court
Reporter
Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC has reminded the court Kerry and Michael Ives are here to be sentenced for murder.
Their daughter Shannon will be sentenced for allowing the death of her child. All three will be sentenced for child cruelty.
Kerry and Michael Ives are sat at opposite ends of the dock, with Michael Ives in the middle.
There are three prison officers separating each defendant.