Logan Mwangi murder trial due to begin – follow latest from court

Three people have gone on trial accused of murdering a five-year-old boy.

Logan Mwangi was found dead on July 31 last year in the Ogmore River near Pandy Park in Bridgend. The schoolboy had suffered multiple injuries including a torn liver, an internal head injury, and a broken collarbone.

Logan's mother Angharad Williamson, 30, of Lower Llansantffraid, Sarn, Bridgend, and stepdad John Cole, 40, of Maesglas, Ynysawdre, Bridgend, deny his murder. A third defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons due to his age, has also pleaded not guilty to murder.

Read more: Go here to read all the latest stories from the courts in Wales

They are on trial at Cardiff Crown Court before a jury of 12 people with an extra two members chosen to sit in reserve for the start of the trial.

Addressing the jury after they were selected trial judge Mrs Justice Jefford DBE said: "This case involved the death of a child. Offences that relates to a person's death are as serious an offence that you as a jury could ever be entrusted to deal with.

"The death of a child may give rise to strong feelings on your part but it's important you put your emotions to one side and judge the evidence fairly without being swayed by emotional reactions. A court is a place for calm and careful consideration."

Junior prosecutor Claire Pickthall told the jury panel all three defendants had been charged with murder, which allegedly took place between July 28 and August 1, 2021.

She said Logan Mwangi was aged five at the time of his death and lived most of his life in the Sarn area of Bridgend. The court heard Cole is originally from Coventry and Williamson is originally from Essex but they both moved to Sarn in 2017.

Cole and Williamson also both deny causing or