A woman already serving a life sentence for the death of five-year-old Logan Mwangi has begun moves to challenge her conviction, a pre-inquest hearing at Pontypridd heard on Wednesday.
Legal review under way
Angharad Williamson, 35, from Sarn, Bridgend, attended the hearing by video link from prison alongside a mental health support worker. She was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court in 2022 after being found guilty of murdering Logan, whose body was recovered from the River Ogmore on 31 July 2021.
At the short hearing at South Wales Central Coroner’s Court, Mr Tony Thompson — who told the court he is a former senior police officer — said he had been instructed to carry out a review of Williamson’s conviction. He said the work was being undertaken at Williamson’s request and without charge, with the possible aim of making an application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).
“I’ve been instructed by Angharad Williamson to review her conviction. I had no previous involvement in the matter. I’m conducting a review of her conviction at her request, at not cost. The ultimate aim is to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to submit an application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission.”
Background and sentences
Williamson, together with Logan’s stepfather, John Cole, 44, and Cole’s son, Craig Mulligan, now 18, were convicted of murdering the schoolboy following a trial in 2022. The prosecution said officers were told that Logan had gone missing before his body was later found in the river.
A post-mortem examination reported that Logan had sustained more than 56 injuries, injuries described in court as similar to those expected in a high fall or high-speed crash. Sentencing in June 2022 handed Williamson a life term with a minimum of 28 years; Cole was given life with a minimum of 29 years; and Mulligan was detained for a minimum of 15 years.
| Defendant | Age (at conviction) | Sentence (minimum term) |
|---|---|---|
| Angharad Williamson | 35 | Life (minimum 28 years) |
| John Cole | 44 | Life (minimum 29 years) |
| Craig Mulligan | 18 | Detention (minimum 15 years) |
Next steps and practical information
The coroner conducted a pre-inquest review; a full inquest will be scheduled at a later date. Mr Thompson has applied for “interested person” status for the inquest so he can participate while he carries out his review.
The involvement of the Criminal Cases Review Commission would be the next formal legal avenue if the review identifies potential grounds. The CCRC is the independent public body that investigates alleged miscarriages of justice and can refer cases back to the appeal courts.
- No date has yet been set for the full inquest into Logan’s death.
- Williamson attended the hearing by video from prison and was represented by Mr Thompson.
- The coroner hearing took place at South Wales Central Coroner’s Court in Pontypridd.
The case remains a sensitive matter locally. Families, neighbours and those involved in child protection work will be watching developments closely as the legal review progresses and the coroner prepares for the forthcoming inquest.
