News

Report shows Logan Mganwi’s death an avoidable tragedy

Published

3 years ago

November 24, 2022

A SAFEGUARDING review has found cross-agency failings contributed to the death of five-year-old Logan Mwangi at the hands of his mother, her partner, and a teenager living with the family.
A boy described as “smiling, cheerful, bubbly” had his life cut short through the sustained, brutal cruelty of those he lived with.
Logan’s mother and stepfather used Covid regulations as a shield behind which they hid their abuse of him.

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES AND UNSHARED INFORMATION

In gruelling detail, the report by Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding Board sets out a series of missed opportunities by healthcare staff, Bridgend social services, and South Wales Police to share information that might have protected Logan from the violence which led to his death on July 31, 2021.
Logan died after suffering blunt force abdominal injury, traumatic injuries to his brain and ischaemic brain damage (usually associated with attempted asphyxiation).
After carrying his corpse to the side of the River Ogmore, his killers dumped his body.

SUSTAINED RACIST ABUSE

His mother, Angharad Williamson, 31, stepfather John Cole, 40, and stepbrother Craig Mulligan, 14, were all convicted of murder and received life sentences following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court earlier this year.
Logan, who was of mixed race, suffered particular abuse from Cole, a former member of the National Front with a lengthy criminal record for violent offences, including assaulting a child.
The report notes that Cole and Mulligan “held and expressed racist and discriminatory views that one would expect to have made life very hard for Logan within the family”.

A RECORD OF INJURIES

The year before his death, Logan attended Accident and Emergency, battered, bruised, and with a fracture to his upper right arm.
Despite the family already being on social services’ radar, police and social services decided no basis existed for further intervention with the family – partly because hospital staff did not share the full extent of Logan’s injuries with them.
Logan was found to have sustained “wider bruising and injuries”, including an injury near his genitals, bruises to his ankle, bruises to his forehead, bruising to the top of both ears, bruising behind one ear, bruises to both cheeks and a carpet bruise to his chin. The area around his broken shoulder was also extensively bruised.
Doctors never shared the details of the further injuries, identified after a review by a paediatric specialist, with Police or Social Services.

THEY NEVER LISTENED TO LOGAN

Those injuries’ details paint a disturbing picture of sustained violence against a defenceless child who could not rely on his mother to protect him from abuse.
The report notes that the relevant agencies never spoke directly to Logan about his injuries.
The report concludes: “Several injuries, even in isolation, should have triggered a referral.
“If the injuries were considered by health professionals to be non-accidental, there should have been clear considerations to the number of injuries and site on the body, parental supervision being afforded to Logan and if wider agencies’ support was required.
“This again should have triggered a child protection referral.”
The authorities never contacted Logan’s birth father about any of their concerns following an unsupported claim of domestic abuse against him made by Williamson.
The report finds that regardless of the claim – which was not backed by any evidence or record of complaints – Logan’s father should have been part of the decision-making process regarding his son’s care. Logan’s father was never told that his son was on the Child Protection Register or that he’d been removed from it.
And it’s not as if social services were unaware of Cole’s appalling history of violence or oblivious to signs that something was amiss within the family unit.
Social services repeatedly engaged with the family for months before Logan’s murder. They noted Cole’s controlling behaviour, unwillingness to have anyone speak with them but himself, and an unexpected deterioration in Logan’s stammer.
The day before Logan’s death, a social worker visited the family’s home about concerns relating to another child living with Logan, Williamson, Cole, and Mulligan.
She neither saw nor spoke to Logan because she was told he had tested positive for Covid-19.
Within 24 hours of that visit, Logan was dead – beaten to death – and his body was left by the riverside.

INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF WALES’S CHILD SOCIAL SERVICES “MUST HAPPEN”

Plaid’s South Wales West regional MS, Sioned Williams, said: “The report outlines the extent to which multiple agencies worked with Logan and his family in the years before his death.
“Many local and national recommendations have been made. I have no doubt that the specific recommendations made to the Welsh Government will be discussed within the Senedd as a matter of urgency.
Sioned Williams added: “The Welsh Government must ensure vital services are properly resourced and commission an independent review of children’s social work across Wales, as called for previously by Professor Donald Forrester and the British Association of Social Workers Cymru.”
The Welsh Government has previously refused to consider such a review, a fact referred to by Welsh Conservative Shadow Social Services Minister Gareth Davies.
Mr Davies said: “Not only do we see a reluctance to escalate Logan’s situation in the face of obvious evidence and agencies working in silos, not sharing information, but understaffed departments that prove concerns about the high dependency of agency workers leading to cases like this are vindicated.
“It is clear that in addition to Bridgend Council implementing the report’s recommendations, we need a Wales-wide review of children’s services which, sadly, Mark Drakeford continues to block despite Wales being the only UK nation not undertaking one and having the UK’s highest rate of looked-after children.”

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

6 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

7 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

7 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.