Logan Mwangi murder -Stepfather, mother and 13 year-old boy in court

A step-father has appeared in court charged with the murder of his five-year-old step-son whose body was found dead in the Ogmore River.

John Cole who is 39 and from Bridgend has been accused of the murder of little Logan Mwangi - known to his friends as Logan Williamson.

Cole appeared before magistrates in Cardiff today dressed in a grey prison tracksuit and spoke only to confirm his name and address.

He looked down at the floor throughout the hearing as the court heard the case could only be dealt with at crown court.

Cole will appear before Newport Crown Court tomorrow

Bench chair Elaine Farthing said:

“You’ve been charged with murder and perverting the course of justice. You are remanded in custody to appear at Newport Crown Court on Friday 6th August at 9am.”

Logan's mother Angharad Williamson, 30, along with care worker Cole and a 13-year-old boy, have also been charged with perverting the course of justice.

There was tight security at the court as the three arrived in white vans.

Police were called to reports of a missing child at around 5.45am on Saturday and pulled his body from the River Ogmore.

He was taken to the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend where he was confirmed dead.

Cole and Williamson became engaged less than three months ago - and little Logan was excited at becoming a pageboy.

"harrowing case"

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Mark O’Shea, said:

“This is a very harrowing case for all involved and I extend my deepest sympathies to Logan’s family and friends.

“This remains an extensive and sensitive investigation by the Major Crime Investigation Team and I am grateful to the local community for its support and understanding while we have continued to gather evidence across several scenes.

“Legal proceedings are now underway and I want to remind everyone to avoid speculation which may prejudice this investigation.

“We continue to appeal to anyone who has any information in relation to the incident to contact the Major Crime Investigation Team.”

Logan lived just 400 yards away from the river where he was found in a ground-floor terraced flat with his family.

His friends have been among those leaving hundreds of tributes including flowers, cards, and soft toys at a riverside bridge nearby.

"beautiful little soul taken way too soon"

Parents of his reception class have broken the news of Logan:

"going to see the angels in heaven" - and asked about their memories of the playful boy.

One attached to flowers said:

"RIP Logan, such a beautiful little soul taken way too soon. You will be dearly missed. Sleep tight my lovely. Until we meet again!"