A five-year-old boy who was found dead in a river suffered internal injuries “consistent with child abuse”, a jury has heard.
Logan Mwangi, also known as Logan Williamson, was found by police in the River Ogmore in Bridgend, Wales, last July.
It was around 250 metres from his family’s flat in Lower Llansantffraid, Sarn.
His mother Angharad Williamson, 30, stepfather John Cole, 40, and a 14-year-old boy, who cannot legally be identified, are on trial for murder at Cardiff Crown Court.
Jurors told distressing details of boy’s injuries
Prosecutor Caroline Rees QC warned the jury that they might find the evidence distressing, adding: “It might be difficult to listen to.”
In the first days of the trial, judge Mrs Justice Jefford paused the hearing so jury members who were visibly upset could have a break.
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Instead of showing photos or videos of Logan’s body, computer generated images were used to show his injuries.
Home Office forensic pathologist Dr John Williams said an injury to the first part of the small intestine was generally rare in children, but that studies have found they are “commonly recorded in abused children”.
Other internal injuries included a large tear to his liver and another to his small bowel, and there was also “significant trauma” to his brain.
The youngster’s internal injuries were described as so severe they were more likely to be found in a victim of a high-velocity car accident.
Logan, who was three feet tall and weighed just over three stone, had 14 bruises and grazes on his head and neck, with dozens more on his body, legs, feet, arms, and hands.
Mr Williams concluded that Logan died from severe blunt force trauma.
A neuropathologist who examined his brain, Dr George Lammie, said trauma had caused widespread bleeding and swelling – and that there appeared to have been “at least several hours” between the head injury and Logan’s death.
“And it’s possible that there was more than one episode of head injury,” he added.
Williamson and the youth deny murder and perverting the course of justice.
Cole denies murder, but admits perverting the course of justice.
Cole and Williamson are also charged with causing or allowing the death of a child.
The trial continues.
