Heartbroken dad of murdered Logan Mwangi said his son visits him in "recurring nightmares"

Mr Mwangi's ex, mum Angharad Williamson, was convicted of Logan's murder as was stepdad John Cole, 40, and a 14-year-old.

Today John Cole was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 29 years before he is eligible for parole.

Angharad Williamson has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 28 years.

A 14 year old who cannot be named has been sentenced to life detention with a minimum of 15 years.

In a victim impact statement read to Cardiff Crown Court, Mr Mwangi said the world was a "colder and darker place" without Logan.

He said: "On Saturday 31st July 2021 I was at my place of work when police officers came and told me about the death of Logan. They told me that his body had been found in the River Ogmore in the early hours of the morning. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, I felt so confused.

"I just collapsed on the floor and hit my head. I just felt like every fibre in my body had died and couldn't stop crying. I couldn't understand how something like this could have happened to my son.

"The rest of the day was a blur as I waited for more information. It was so painful. The following day when I was made aware that Logan's mother had been arrested on suspicion of his murder. I am just devastated that I couldn't have been there to protect him.

"The last 10 months have been hell for me. I can't sleep and keep experiencing recurring nightmares.

"My dreams of Logan are so vivid, Logan comes to tell me that he ok and to check if I'm ok. He runs into him in my arms and I hold him tight, but he then slowly disappears until he's no longer in my arms. I wake up screaming and crying.

"I find it difficult to go back to sleep; I don't want to go back to sleep because I don't want to experience these dreams because they are so painful."

Mr Mwangi said the death of Logan had affected his family and friends and he has been unable to go out any more.

He added: "At this moment I have extreme trust issues. I can't see a future in another relationship or having more children because I don't want something like this to ever happen to me again. I have accepted that this is my life now.

"Logan was the sweetest and most beautiful boy whose life has been tragically cut short. The world is a colder and darker place without this warm smile and the happy energy with which he lived his life.

"The hole that has been left in the hearts of all who knew him will never be filled. No amount of time can heal the wounds that have been inflicted.

"The wonderful memories I have of my son will never be tarnished; they will forever be in my heart and soul. I loved him so much and somehow I have to live my life knowing that I will never get to see him grow up to be the wonderful man he would have been.

"I would like to thank South Wales Police, the prosecution team and the jury who have worked tirelessly to bring those responsible for my son's murder to court."

Prosecutor Caroline Rees said there were aggravating factors in the murder.

She said: "Logan was young, even by the standards of a child, he was just five years old.

"He was physically and emotionally vulnerable at the time of his death, particularly in the days leading up to his death when he was isolating with Covid.

"Both adults were in a position of trust as his stepfather and his biological mother. Both are people he trusted to look after him.

"His injuries were so serious they would have needed treatment with morphine and the medical evidence

"The defendants acted together to dispose of the dead body of Logan under the cover of darkness in the River Ogmore."

Judge Mrs Justice Jefford added: "There must have been mental suffering to this five year old child in the way he was treated by people who should have kept him safe."