Three people charged over the death of a boy whose body was found in a river have appeared in court for the first time.
The trio were charged after being quizzed for days in connection with the alleged murder of five-year-old Logan Mwangi, also known as Logan Williamson, in Bridgend, South Wales.
Logan's body was recovered from the Ogmore River, near Pandy Park, on Saturday after he was reported missing around 5.30am.
The court heard that Logan was found with multiple injuries including a torn liver, an internal head injury and a broken collarbone.
John Cole, 39, has been charged with murder, while Angharad Williamson, 30, and a 13-year-old boy, who cannot be named, have been jointly charged with perverting the course of justice.
Magistrates remanded Cole and Williamson into custody when they appeared before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, while the 13-year-old boy was remanded into the care of the local authority.
Cole was dressed in a grey prison tracksuit and spoke only to confirm his name and address. He looked down at the floor throughout his hearing.
Williamson and the boy also spoke only to confirm their names, dates of birth and addresses.
None of the three entered pleas to the charges against them.
Elaine Farthing, chair of the bench, said all three would appear before Newport Crown Court on Friday morning.
There was tight security at the court as the three suspects arrived in white vans.
Charges allege that Cole murdered Logan between July 28 and August 1.
Cole, Williamson and the 13-year-old boy are alleged to have perverted the course of justice on the same dates.
Neighbours said Logan was excited to get dressed up and be a pageboy at the couple's wedding.
One said: "Logan was beyond excited - he was also so smiley. He didn't really know what a pageboy was - only that it meant getting dressed up."
His mum Williamson, who gave birth to a second son in February last year, and his stepdad Cole got engaged about 10 weeks ago, according to Facebook posts and neighbours.
Family friends have paid tribute to Logan, who they described as “kind, funny, polite, handsome & clever”, on social media.
Mourners are planning to release balloons next to the river on Saturday to pay tribute to Logan, who was a big fan of Spider-Man.
Parents have been asked to dress their children as superheroes or in other costumes.
People arrived throughout Sunday and Monday to lay flowers, tributes, toys and teddies in front of the police cordon by the river.
Police divers had been searching the river and forensic officers had been searching the family home in Sarn.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Mark O’Shea said earlier: “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.
“We continue to appeal to anyone who has any information in relation to the incident to contact the Major Crime Investigation Team.”
