A mother who killed her five-year-old son before his body was discovered in a river has participated in a preliminary hearing regarding the child’s demise.

Angharad Williamson, aged 34, observed the session remotely from HMP Downview in Surrey, where she is serving a minimum of 28 years for the murder of Logan Mwangi.

The young boy was found with 56 external injuries, a torn liver, and brain trauma after enduring severe abuse at his residence in Bridgend, South Wales.

Despite being in the care of social services, none of Logan’s prior injuries – a broken arm, broken collarbone, and skin burns – raised concerns with the authorities before his death.

Alongside Williamson, her then partner John Cole, 41, and stepson Craig Mulligan, 14, were convicted of Logan’s murder following his passing in July 2021.

Cole disposed of Logan’s body in the River Ogmore, a location where he frequently discarded waste, just 400 yards away from their home.

A preliminary review of Logan’s death commenced at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court with coroner David Regan overseeing the proceedings.

Various officials from local health departments, social services, and South Wales Police were present at the administrative hearing, which was conducted both in person and via virtual platforms.

Despite Williamson’s denial of the murder, evidence revealed her activity on her phone and manipulation of lights in the house during the night when she was supposedly asleep.

Williamson attempted to appeal her conviction, which was rejected in January 2023. She has now requested a former senior police officer, Tony Thompson, to review her case for potential further appeals.

During a nine-week trial in 2022, disturbing details of Logan’s mistreatment were disclosed. He had tested positive for Covid-19 and was confined to a small room behind a locked gate, treated poorly by Williamson and Cole.

Logan, who had been on the child protection register, was reclassified as a “child in need” shortly before his tragic death.

Medical experts likened Logan’s injuries to those from a significant fall or a high-speed vehicle collision, emphasizing the severity of the abuse he endured.

Williamson, Cole, and Mulligan were sentenced to life imprisonment, with Williamson receiving a minimum term of 28 years.

A further hearing regarding Logan’s death is scheduled for November.