Angharad Williamson, the mother convicted of murdering her five-year-old son Logan Mwangi, is seeking to submit an application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), the body that investigates potential miscarriages of justice. This was disclosed during a pre-inquest hearing at Pontypridd Coroner's Court on Wednesday, where Williamson appeared via video link from prison.
Background of the Case
Williamson, 35, from Sarn, Bridgend, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2022 for killing Logan, alongside her stepfather John Cole, 44, and his son Craig Mulligan, now 18. The trio was convicted after a trial at Cardiff Crown Court. Logan's body was discovered in the River Ogmore on July 31, 2021, after the defendants falsely reported him missing.
A post-mortem examination revealed Logan had suffered more than 56 injuries, described as akin to those from a high-speed car crash or a fall from a great height. Williamson received a minimum term of 28 years, Cole 29 years, and Mulligan 15 years.
Legal Representation and CCRC Application
At the inquest hearing, Williamson was represented by Tony Thompson, a former senior police officer. Thompson stated, '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 no cost. The ultimate aim is to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to submit an application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission.'
Thompson requested interested person status to participate in the inquest, arguing that the inquest and his investigation are 'closely related.' The coroner, David Regan, directed Thompson and Williamson to submit a formal written application within four weeks.
Inquest Scope and Previous Appeal
The inquest will be heard by a coroner without a jury, covering events from August 2020 when Logan was hospitalized with injuries, to his death. It will examine the 'investigation, assessment, management and safeguarding' of Logan, including Mulligan's reintroduction to the home shortly before his death. Legal representatives for South Wales Police, Bridgend County Borough Council, and Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board attended the hearing.
In 2023, Williamson lost a Court of Appeal bid to challenge her conviction. The CCRC application represents her latest attempt to overturn the sentence.
