Child protection rules plea after killing of toddler

THE heartbroken family of a toddler who was murdered by his own grandparents are calling for child protection rules to be overhauled in the wake of his killing.

- ANNABAL BAGDI News Reporter

More than 31,000 people have backed calls to bring in 'Ethan's Law, which would give social services more powers if they are denied access to see a child during a home visit.

Young Ethan Ives-Griffiths was dangerously dehydrated and severely underweight when he collapsed with a catastrophic head injury at his grandparents' home. The two-year-old, who had 40 visible bruises or marks, was "targeted for abuse and subjected to casual cruelty." He died two days later.

His grandfather, Michael Ives, 47, and grandmother, Kerry Ives, 46, both originally from Wolverhampton, were convicted by jurors earlier this year of murder and cruelty to a child under 16.

Ethan's mother, Shannon Ives, 28, who had been staying with her son at her parents' home, was convicted of causing or allowing his death and of child cruelty.

They will be sentenced in October.

Mold Crown Court heard how Ethan had been placed on the child protection register, which meant he had to be seen every 10 days.