THE TRIAL date for two Flintshire grandparents accused of murdering their two-year-old grandson has been moved to next year.

Kerry Ives, aged 45, and Michael Ives, aged 46, and of Kingsley Road, Garden City, both appeared before Mold Crown Court today (Monday, November 4).

The couple have been accused of murdering their two-year-old grandson, Ethan Ives Griffiths. 

Both previously pleaded not guilty to murder, causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm, and causing the assault and ill treatment, neglect or abandonment of a child to cause unnecessary suffering or injury.

A trial involving the two had been set to begin next week at Mold Crown Court on Monday, November 11.

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However, this has now been moved following the latest hearing in Mold.

Judge Rhys Rowlands explained that the trial could not start next week due to 'no High Court Judge being available' to preside over it.

He added that this was a 'complex case' with 'a number of experts' needed to give evidence in the trial.

Judge Rhys Rowlands set a new trial date for June 3, 2025, adding that the decision was 'regrettable'.

He said: "This is a case of great importance. This is a decision that is regrettable, but the case will remain under review.

"It is incumbent on this court to examine all of the circumstances with care."

The trial is scheduled to take place at Mold Crown Court on that new date and expected to last six weeks.

The two defendants were remanded in custody until that date.