Driver convicted of murdering head teacher dragged beneath car

Simon Richardson has been found guilty of murdering head teacher Michael Mullins, who was dragged for more than a mile beneath Richardson’s car after being struck while cycling home in Greater Manchester.

The 56-year-old was hit on the evening of 20 April in Warburton. Richardson, 35, was also convicted of dangerous driving and will be sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Monday. The judge told him that murder carries a mandatory life sentence.

Prosecutors said Richardson initially drove away from the collision, then stopped and twice got out to try to free Mullins, who was still alive and trapped beneath the vehicle. He later drove on, dislodging Mullins on a country lane in Lymm, Cheshire, before reversing over him. Mullins suffered crushing chest injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Richardson denied murder, saying he did not realise Mullins was underneath the car. He also denied getting out to try to free him. The jury found him guilty after a trial.

A motorcyclist followed a trail of blood and found Mullins barely breathing on a grass verge. Richardson was arrested the following day after a police chase.

Mullins was head teacher of Stretford Grammar School in Trafford. The judge thanked jurors, saying the case had been upsetting and included distressing evidence.