A murdered five-year-old boy was denied a visit from a social worker the day before his body was found because his mother claimed he was self-isolating with Covid, a court has heard.
Logan Mwangi was found dead just 400 metres from his family home in Lower Llansantffraid, Sarn, Bridgend, on July 31 2021.
His mother Angharad Williamson, 30, her partner John Cole, 40, and a 14-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons are on trial for his murder.
On the opening day of the trial, Cardiff Crown Court heard that on the afternoon of July 30, the day before Logan was found dead, a social worker made an unscheduled visit to Mr Cole and Ms Williamson's address but was told she could not see Logan because he had tested positive for Covid-19 and was in self-isolation.
Left after 20 minutes
Caroline Rees QC, prosecuting, said Ms Williamson reported Logan as being "a bit up and down".
The social worker left after 20 minutes, following a conversation about claiming child benefit, tax credits and disability living allowance.
Logan was reported missing to police by his mother, only for his body to be discovered in the river in a neighbouring park.
Ms Rees said: "Logan was described by those who knew and loved him during his short life as a lovely little boy, chatty, polite, kind and caring.
"He was five years old when his body was found by police in the River Ogmore in Pandy Park, Bridgend.
"Logan was murdered and each of the defendants played their part in killing him.
"Logan would not have stood a chance against any one of these defendants, let alone three of them acting together."
She added: "Having killed Logan behind closed doors in the family home, they each played their part in covering up the circumstances of his death.
"Each were desperate to save themselves and each prioritised their self-preservation over everything else, in particular over the needs of Logan."
Ms Rees said Ms Williamson phoned 999 at 5.46am to falsely report Logan missing, crying down the phone and sounding as if she were "hyperventilating".
Blamed another woman
The court heard she told police she had left the back gate open and then tried to blame another woman for "kidnapping" Logan.
Ms Rees said: "She appeared to be distressed and as if she were hyperventilating. This was an elaborate charade."
The court heard Logan suffered "severe injuries" compared to "a fall from a great height or a high velocity road traffic collision".
Ms Rees said: "Logan had suffered severe injuries to his internal organs and brain.
"His brain suffered trauma and he had 56 external injuries including to the head, face, to the trunk, arms and legs."
She added: "Logan was disposed of by the defendants as if fly tipping."
Ms Williamson and Mr Cole appeared in the dock while the youth appeared via videolink from another room inside the court building.
Ms Williamson and the youth deny murder and perverting the course of justice. Mr Cole denies murder but admits perverting the course of justice.
The trial continues.
