Logan Mwangi jurors told reach your decision on 'evidence not emotion'

Published date20 April 2022
Publication titleWalesOnline (Wales)
The five-year-old's battered body was found in a river near his home in Bridgend -with pathologists saying he had suffered the kind of injuries usually found in car crash victims. For the past nine weeks, Logan's mum Angharad Williamson, stepdad John Cole and a teenage boy have been on trial at Cardiff Crown Court. They all deny murdering Logan

During the course of proceedings, the court has heard distressing evidence -which at various points have seen jurors become visibly upset. Mrs Justice Jefford acknowledged that the case has not been an easy one for them to hear -but reminded them of their responsibility before sending them out to begin their deliberations.

She said: "The case involving the death of a child will understandably provoke strong emotions, you will have seen that during the course of this trial. When you come to consider the evidence and verdicts of the evidence. You must be careful to put aside any prejudice and judge the case on the evidence and not on emotional responses or reactions. You may not have liked some of the things you have heard..... and if you think that is relevant you should take that into account but you should not let your dislike to influence your verdicts.”

Read our live coverage of the case

As well as denying murder, all three defendants are also accused of perverting the course of justice, including moving Logan’s body to the river near Pandy Park, removing his clothing, washing bloodstained bed linen and making a false missing person report to police.

Williamson, 30, of Lower Llansantffraid, Sarn, and the youth pleaded not guilty to both these offence. Cole, 40, of Maesglas, Ynysawdre, has admitted perverting the course of justice. Williamson and Cole were also charged with causing or allowing the death of a child, which they both denied.

The trial has heard that at 5.46am on July 31, Williamson made a 999 call to police to report Logan missing from his home in Lower Llansantffraid, Sarn, Bridgend. His body was found more than 12 hours later in the River Ogmore near Pandy Park -a short distance away from where he lived.

Logan had not drowned in the river and had died as a result "of a brutal and sustained assault" at home before his body was dumped in the river like "fly-tipping". A post-mortem revealed Logan had suffered a number of injuries -including a tear to his liver and bowel. The Crown also say each of the defendants played their part in killing Logan and then "covered up of the true circumstances of his...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT