The brutal murder of five-year-old Logan Mwangi left a community in shock. His battered body was found in the River Ogmore in Sarn, Bridgend last July, bearing 56 external injuries and severe internal damage.
Mother and Stepfather Deny Murder
At Cardiff Crown Court, Logan’s mother Angharad Williamson, 31, stepfather John Cole, 40, and a 14-year-old boy all deny murder charges. The three are also accused of perverting the course of justice. Williamson and the teenager deny this charge, while Cole admits it.
Inmate Describes Mother’s Chilling Behaviour
Joanne Brooks, who shared a prison wing with Williamson at Eastwood Park in Gloucestershire, told the court of the woman’s bizarre attitude.
“She introduced herself by saying, ‘Have you heard of the Bridgend baby – the boy that was murdered and thrown in the river? Well, I’m his mother.’ She said it like she was telling me what she just bought at the shops.”
“When I showed her pictures of Logan, there were still no emotions. If you’re showing someone a picture of your child that just died, you’d expect emotion. There was none.”
“It was a weird kind of attention-seeking. She was proud of the notoriety that came with being the Bridgend baby’s mum.”
Expert Paints Grim Picture of Abuse and Suffering
Paediatrician Dr Deborah Stalker gave heart-wrenching evidence about Logan’s injuries. She revealed they were consistent with “severe abuse” and said Logan had an 80% chance of survival if taken to hospital promptly.
She explained the tear to Logan’s liver was rare in accidental injury but common in abuse, likely caused by violent thumps or kicks to the abdomen. The injuries led to life-threatening blood loss, sending Logan into haemorrhagic shock.
Dr Stalker said, “You could see his hands and feet turning ice cold and pale. It’s obvious the child was very unwell.” She confirmed the pain from the injuries would be severe, typically requiring strong painkillers like morphine.
Bruising around both eyes was described as “really quite extensive” and inconsistent with innocent causes. Dr Stalker dismissed a claim that a toy caused the bruising as “inadequate” given its size and severity.
Jurors Hold Back Tears Amid Heartbreaking Evidence
The court had to pause for 30 minutes after a juror became visibly upset hearing about Logan’s horrific injuries and ordeal.
