Simon Richardson must serve at least 25 years for murdering headteacher Michael Mullins in Greater Manchester.
A driver who struck a cyclist and dragged him underneath his vehicle for more than a mile before deliberately attempting to dislodge him has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murder.
Simon Richardson, 35, was ordered to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison after being found guilty of murdering Michael Mullins, a 56-year-old headteacher who was cycling home from work.
The sentence was handed down on Monday at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. Sentencing Richardson, Mrs Justice Brunner KC said he had demonstrated an “astonishing degree of disregard for human life”.
Cyclist dragged beneath vehicle for more than a mile
The incident happened on the evening of 20 April in Warburton, Trafford, Greater Manchester.
Mullins was cycling home from Stretford Grammar School, where he had served as headteacher for 17 years, when he was struck by a Volvo XC90 driven by Richardson.
The collision threw Mullins onto the bonnet and windscreen before he became trapped underneath the vehicle, entangled in its suspension.
Despite knowing that the cyclist was trapped beneath his car, Richardson continued driving for more than a mile, the court heard.
Prosecutor Phil Barnes KC told the court that Richardson knew the consequences of continuing to drive but chose to do so.
Driver attempted to remove victim from underneath car
Richardson eventually drove to a secluded farm track in Lymm, around 1.3 miles from the collision site.
According to evidence presented at the trial, he twice attempted to pull Mullins from beneath the vehicle. He then returned to the car and drove sharply from side to side in an attempt to dislodge him.
Mullins was eventually freed but was run over again as Richardson reversed and drove away.
A motorcyclist later followed a trail of blood from the collision site and found Mullins lying on a grass verge, barely breathing.
Emergency services attended, but he could not be saved. He died from multiple injuries.
Richardson’s cousin, Gabrielle Debotte, who was in the front passenger seat, told the court that they had heard moaning after the collision. She also said Richardson later remarked: “He’s under the car.”
Judge says defendant prioritised escape over human life
During sentencing, Mrs Justice Brunner KC said Richardson had knowingly continued using his vehicle while Mullins was trapped and seriously injured beneath it.
The judge said Richardson had decided that escaping from the scene of the collision was more important than a human life.
Richardson had denied knowing that Mullins was underneath his vehicle.
Victim’s family describe devastating loss
Mullins’s wife, Sarah, told the court that her husband’s death had left her life “brutally and callously torn apart”.
She described him as the family’s anchor and spoke of the lasting emotional impact of his violent death.
The acting head of Stretford Grammar School, Elizabeth Baxter, said it had been an honour and a privilege to work alongside Mullins.
She said he had been an inspirational leader who had left a significant void throughout the school community.
Mullins was widely remembered as a much-loved figure among his family, friends, colleagues and the wider community.
Richardson had previous driving convictions
The court heard that Richardson had a history of driving-related offences.
His previous convictions included careless driving, failing to stop or report an accident, driving with excess alcohol, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.
He was also convicted of driving without a licence and insurance in 2023.
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Edwards of Greater Manchester Police described the murder as one of the most horrific cases she had encountered.
She urged people to remember Michael Mullins for his contribution to his family, school and community rather than focusing on the offender.
Richardson will serve a minimum of 25 years before he can be considered for release. A life sentence does not mean automatic release after that minimum term.
Source: The Guardian
