Stepfather John Cole on Trial Over Logan Mwangi Murder
John Cole, 40, faces murder charges over the death of young Logan Mwangi. Alongside partner Angharad Williamson, 31, and a 14-year-old boy, the trio denies the accusations. Logan’s body was found in the River Ogmore, Sarn, Bridgend, on 31 July.
Court Hears Cole’s Version of Tragic Night
Speaking in his own defence at Cardiff Crown Court, Cole described Logan as “kicking off” the day before his death. Logan had been isolating for 10 days after testing positive for Covid, with the family taking strict precautions. Cole said Logan struggled with isolation, “didn’t understand it,” and kept running around.
That night, Cole admitted disciplining Logan by “clipping him around the head” and “tapping his hand,” but insisted he did not injure the boy. He also said Ms Williamson put Logan back in his room after grabbing him from the floor. Around midnight, Cole went to bed alone, with Ms Williamson settling in Logan’s room.
At 2am, Cole was woken by Williamson’s screams: “He’s dead.” He tried CPR on Logan for about 15 minutes, but Ms Williamson eventually told him to stop. In panic, they put Logan’s body into a sports bag and Cole took it out of the house, not knowing where he was headed. He ended up at the River Ogmore and left the body there.
Cover-Up Claims and Police Search
On returning home, Cole said he and Ms Williamson decided to report Logan missing the next morning. Williamson called the police at around 5:45am, and Cole pretended to search for Logan. CCTV footage later showed Cole and the youth defendant shouting Logan’s name across Sarn.
“I felt guilty for how I just left him by the river. I knew it was wrong,” Cole told the jury.
Dark Past and Disciplinary Tensions in the Household
Cole admitted a charge of perverting the course of justice, but both adults deny causing or allowing Logan’s death. Cole spoke of previous arguments with Ms Williamson, describing them as “vocal” but insisted he never threatened her with violence.
He revealed concerns about Ms Williamson’s harsh discipline, including an incident where she put a hot coffee spoon to Logan’s neck. Both agreed not to report this to social workers.
Logan had a collarbone fracture that may have lasted weeks before his death. Cole claimed he thought Logan hurt his shoulder falling off a wheelchair but was unaware it was broken.
On his past, Cole admitted earlier convictions in burglary, assault, and cannabis possession but said his sister’s death in 2006 prompted a life change. He recalled getting on “amazingly” with Logan at the start of his relationship with Ms Williamson in 2019, and said he tried to discipline Logan with “naughty corner” timeouts and exercises to burn energy.
The trial continues as the court unravels the grim details surrounding Logan Mwangi’s death.
