After a high profile trial earlier this year, the mother, stepfather and brother of Logan Mwangi were yesterday sentenced for the brutal murder of the 5 year old.
All three were convicted of the murder despite initially pretending that he had gone missing.
John Cole, 40, will serve a minimum term of 29 years in prison while Logan’s mother, Angharad Williamson, 31, will serve at least 28 years.
Craig Mulligan, 14, who the judge ruled could be named, will serve at least 15 years.
The callous killing of Logan rocked the local community of Sarn in Bridgend where the shocking events remain hard to comprehend.
Tondu Primary School, which Logan attended, issued this statement yesterday expressing their devastation:
“The pupils, teachers, staff and governors at Tondu Primary School were all devastated to learn of the death of Logan Mwangi, and the school community remains shocked and deeply saddened by his loss.
“As a friendly, energetic and popular little boy, Logan leaves us with many fond memories. He was a loving, sweet-natured child who was polite and articulate at all times.
“Logan was always smiling, and was described in court by his own teachers as having the kind of smile that could light up a classroom. He was a highly inquisitive child who enjoyed his lessons, particularly when using the outdoor classroom where he would have great fun with his friends.
“Logan loved playing with his classmates, especially games like hide-and-seek or pretending to be superheroes. His favourite character was always Spiderman, and he would display a keen and vivid imagination in his games.
“Ultimately, we remember Logan as being a bright, happy child who was caring and loving, and an absolute pleasure to teach. As a school community, we continue to feel his loss, and to offer support to one another as we look towards the future.
“We are also united in our condemnation of the terrible actions of those who ended Logan’s short life in such a cruel and brutal way, and are grateful that they have been held accountable for their crimes.
“Our thoughts remain with Logan.”
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Lianne Rees, of the South Wales Police Major Crime Investigations Team, said in a statement:
“Today’s sentences are a reflection of the appalling crimes committed back in July last year.“It is incomprehensible that Logan had his life cut short in such tragic circumstances at the hands of those very people who should have been there to protect him.
“For Logan’s father, Ben, who stands beside me, today’s sentences are welcome news, however no amount of justice can bring Logan back, or compensate for the grief that continues to be felt.
“Ben, and his family, have demonstrated incredible strength throughout the investigation and legal process. What they have been through is hard to comprehend, but they have endured everything with tremendous courage and dignity at this most difficult time.
“The impact Logan’s death has had, and continues to have on all those who loved and knew him within the local community, is immeasurable.
“Knowing that justice has been done for Logan, I hope they can now begin to rebuild their lives and celebrate the joy that he gave them during the precious time they had with him.
“Once again, I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism displayed by police officers and emergency service colleagues who were faced with the most traumatic scenes imaginable back in July of last year.
“I would also like thank my team of detectives and staff who have worked tirelessly on this investigation, together with the Crown Prosecution Service and Prosecution Counsel. The efforts of all involved have contributed to today’s outcome.”
The Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, Cllr Huw David also issued a statement, saying:
“The death of five-year-old Logan Mwangi has been a deeply sad and tragic affair which has affected all who live within Bridgend County Borough.
“Residents of Sarn and the wider community, the pupils, teachers, staff and governors at Logan’s school and officers of Bridgend County Borough Council who knew him, our partners working in health, the investigating officers of South Wales Police and many more besides have all been united in their sympathies and grief.
“We are also united in our condemnation of the terrible actions of those who ended Logan’s short life in such a cruel and brutal way, and the great lengths they went to in trying to hide the evidence of what they did from the authorities.
“Throughout the trial of his murderers, Logan was consistently described as being a loving, kind and caring little boy, one who was polite and popular among his friends and fellow pupils.
“Listening to the tributes from Logan’s dad and his school, he was clearly a boy who brought joy and laughter to the lives of those he met, and it is hard to find adequate words for expressing just how devastating it is that such an awful murder could have happened in our county borough.
“Today’s sentencing demonstrates that those responsible have not been able to escape the consequences of their crimes.
“We would like to thank South Wales Police for leading the investigation into Logan’s death, and for ensuring that his killers have been brought to justice.
“The death of a young child is always distressing, but especially when it occurs under such terrible circumstances.
“Sarn and the wider county borough remains a close, tight-knit community, one where residents and neighbours look out for one another, and maintaining such close community ties during tragic events such as this remain vitally important, now more than ever.”
Chief Executive Mark Shephard added:
“Now that the trial has concluded, Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Safeguarding Board is leading on the commissioning of a child practice review to enable relevant agencies to fully assess and consider their roles, and to determine whether any improvements can be made to further strengthen the overall standard of local services.
“As Bridgend County Borough Council is fully participating in this process, we cannot offer further comment or pre-empt whatever the findings of this comprehensive and impartial review may be.
“We are awaiting the review’s findings, and together with our partners we will implement any recommendations that it may contain to ensure that we can provide the best, most effective services possible for the local community.
“Our thoughts remain with Logan, and all who knew or cared for him. His tragic death has affected us all, and a wide range of support services are available to access at this difficult time.
“Residents are being reminded that they can report concerns that someone may be experiencing any type of harm by calling 01656 642477 for adults, and 01656 642320 for children between 8.30am-5pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.30am-4.30pm on Fridays.
“To contact social care services outside these hours, at weekends or over bank holidays, call the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Emergency Duty Team on 01443 743665.
“Anyone who suspects that someone is at immediate risk of harm should call 999 and speak to the police.”
Further details on available support can be found at the council website, www.bridgend.gov.uk, or by contacting the following organisations:
· Help Is At Hand – dealing with unexpected death and grief
· Cruse – Bereavement and grief advice
