Stepdad John Cole on Trial Over Logan Mwangi’s Death
John Cole, 40, faces murder charges over the tragic death of 11-year-old Logan Mwangi. Alongside his partner Angharad Williamson, 31, and a 14-year-old boy, Cole denies the serious allegations. The trial is underway at Cardiff Crown Court.
Claims of a Tough Day Before Tragedy
Cole testified that Logan, isolating due to Covid, had been “kicking off” the day before his body was discovered. He explained how they kept Logan quarantined in his room, with both adults wearing masks. But Logan struggled with isolation, running around and not keeping his distance.
“He didn’t understand it, he kept running around,” Cole told the court. He admitted disciplining Logan that day by “clipping him around the head” and “tapping his hand”, but insisted he never caused injury. He also described dropping Logan onto the bed and Williamson placing him in his room after a struggle.
Waking to Horror and Panic
Cole said he was woken at 2am to Williamson screaming, “He’s dead.” He rushed to Logan’s room and tried CPR for about 15 minutes before she told him to stop. In a panic, they put Logan’s body into a sports bag and Cole took it out of the house, eventually leaving it by the River Ogmore in Sarn, Bridgend.
After returning home, the couple planned to report Logan missing the next morning. Williamson made the police call around 5:45am, while Cole pretended to search for Logan – CCTV even captured him and the youth searching the area and shouting Logan’s name.
“I felt guilty for how I just left him by the river. I knew it was wrong,” Cole admitted.
Hidden Abuse and Family Turmoil
Cole revealed he had questioned Williamson’s harsh discipline, such as putting a hot coffee spoon on Logan’s neck, but they agreed not to tell social workers. The jury heard Logan had a fractured collarbone, likely weeks old, from a fall off a wheelchair – information Cole said he was unaware of.
Previously, Cole has a record including burglary and assault but said the death of his sister in 2006 shifted his life around. He claimed he got on “amazingly” with Logan after starting his relationship with Williamson in 2019 and disciplined Logan primarily by putting him in the ‘naughty corner’ or making him do press-ups when hyperactive.
Despite arguments with Williamson, Cole denied ever threatening her with violence.
Trial Ongoing
Both adults deny charges of causing or allowing the death of a child. Cole has pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice. The jury continues to examine the grim details in this heartbreaking case.
