A sentencing date has been set for child killers found guilty of murdering Logan Mwangi who was dumped in a river after suffering fatal and catastrophic injuries. The four-year-old's mother Angharad Williamson, stepfather John Cole, and a youth defendant subjected him to a "brutal and sustained assault".
A harrowing trial at Cardiff Crown Court heard Logan sustained injuries usually seen in car crash victims prior to his death at his home in Sarn, Bridgend, before he was callously dumped in the River Ogmore in mismatched pyjamas by Cole and the youth. Williamson called the police the next morning and claimed Logan had gone missing while melodramatically performing the role of a concerned and distraught mother as her co-defendants searched the streets calling Logan's name.
The youngster's body was later found by police officers in the river and he was declared dead but as his cold, wet, and lifeless body lay in the hospital the defendants continued the charade. CCTV footage later showed Cole and the youth carrying Logan's dead body from the home in Lower Llansantffraid in the dead of night as Williamson flicked the light switch on and off and moved the curtains in Logan's room.
Read more: The unknown torment of the final hours of Logan Mwangi's life which may forever remain a mystery
All three were arrested and denied murder but Williamson, Cole, and the youth were found guilty. Cole had previously pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice and Williamson and the youth were found guilty of the same charge. Williamson and Cole were also found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child.
While a date for sentencing was not set at the time of the verdict all three defendants are due to be sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday, June 30. Judge Mrs Justice Jefford said only one sentence can be passed in each of the defendants’ cases and that is life imprisonment and her role is to set the minimum term, which will be passed at the sentencing hearing.
Speaking at the time of the verdict Logan's father Benjamin Mwangi said: “Logan was the sweetest and most beautiful boy whose life has been tragically cut short. The world is a colder and darker place without his warm smile and the happy energy with which he lived his life. The hole that has been left in the hearts of all who knew and loved him will never be filled.
“No amount of time can heal the wounds that have been inflicted. The wonderful memories I have of my son will never be tarnished – they will forever be in my heart and soul. I loved him so much and somehow I have to live my life knowing that I will never get to see him grow up to be the wonderful man he would have been."
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