THE stepfather of a five-year-old found dead in a river has denied murdering him.

Logan Mwangi, also known as Logan Williamson, was discovered in the Ogmore River in Bridgend, South Wales, on July 31.

John Cole, 39, of Sarn, Bridgend, pleaded not guilty to killing Logan at a hearing in Swansea Crown Court on Friday.

Cole pleaded guilty to a second charge of perverting the course of justice.

Logan’s mother Angharad Williamson, 30, also appeared in front of Mrs Justice Nerys Jefford and pleaded not guilty to perverting the course of justice.

Williamson, who stood in the dock next to Cole, wept as the details of the offence were read out, including moving Logan’s body to an area of the river near Pandy Park, removing his clothing, washing blood-stained bed linen, and making a false missing person report to police.

She is also accused of murder but did not enter a plea to that charge during the hearing.

A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be identified due to his age, appeared by video link from another room in the court building.

He pleaded not guilty to Logan’s murder and perverting the course of justice.

A new provisional trial date was set for February 14, 2022.