A mother who killed her five-year-old son before disposing of his body in a river attended a preliminary inquiry into the child’s death. Angharad Williamson, 34, observed the session remotely from HMP Downview in Surrey, where she is serving a minimum of 28 years for the murder of Logan Mwangi.
Logan was discovered with 56 external wounds, a ruptured liver, and brain injuries following severe abuse at his residence in Bridgend, South Wales, despite being under the supervision of social services. Notably, Logan’s previous injuries, including a broken arm, collarbone, and skin burns, did not raise concerns with the authorities.
In addition to Williamson, her then-partner John Cole, 41, and stepson Craig Mulligan, 14, were also convicted of Logan’s murder after he passed away in July 2021. Cole discarded Logan’s body in the River Ogmore, a location where he often illegally dumped waste near their home.
A preliminary review of Logan’s death commenced at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court, attended by representatives from local health authorities, social services, and South Wales Police. Despite Williamson’s denial of the murder and claim of being asleep during the body disposal, evidence revealed her activities using her phone and turning lights on and off that night.
Following an unsuccessful attempt to overturn her conviction through the Court of Appeal, Williamson requested a former senior police officer, Tony Thompson, to review her case for a potential appeal to the criminal cases review board. Thompson agreed to conduct the investigation pro bono and participate in the hearing.
During a nine-week trial in 2022, disturbing details of Logan’s mistreatment were disclosed. He was confined to his room behind a locked gate, treated like a prisoner, and subjected to punishment by Williamson and Cole. Medical experts likened Logan’s injuries to those from a high fall or a high-speed car crash.
Williamson, Cole, and Mulligan were sentenced to life imprisonment, with Williamson receiving a minimum term of 28 years. A further inquiry into Logan’s death is scheduled for November.
