A motorist has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering a head teacher whom he dragged beneath his vehicle for more than a mile following a collision in Greater Manchester.
Simon Richardson, 35, struck Michael Mullins as the educator cycled home from Stretford Grammar School in Trafford on 20 April. According to BBC News, Richardson stopped briefly after the impact in the village of Warburton in an attempt to free the injured cyclist, who remained trapped beneath the vehicle, before continuing to drive with Mullins still lodged underneath.
At Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, Mrs Justice Brenner KC imposed a minimum custodial term of 25 years. The judge also issued a lifetime driving ban, stating that
this is needed to protect the public.
What happened at trial?
Jurors heard evidence that Richardson deliberately attempted to dislodge Mullins from beneath the car at the roadside, demonstrating awareness of the victim's presence under the vehicle. Despite this knowledge, Richardson resumed driving, dragging the head teacher further along the road before the cyclist was eventually freed from beneath the car.
The victim
Mullins, 56, was a respected educator at Stretford Grammar School. He had been cycling home when the collision occurred on the evening of 20 April in the Warburton area of Trafford. The circumstances of his death—trapped and dragged for such a considerable distance—shocked the local community and prompted a thorough police investigation that culminated in Richardson's conviction.
Sentencing and driving ban
The judge determined that Richardson posed an ongoing danger to the public, warranting both the substantial prison sentence and the permanent revocation of his driving privileges. The 25-year minimum term means Richardson will not be eligible for parole consideration until at least 2051, ensuring a lengthy period of incarceration for the fatal crime.
Key Facts
- Simon Richardson, 35, was convicted of murdering head teacher Michael Mullins on 20 April in Warburton, Greater Manchester
- Mullins was dragged beneath Richardson's vehicle for more than a mile after being struck while cycling home from Stretford Grammar School
- Richardson received a life sentence with a minimum term of 25 years and a lifetime driving ban
- The judge cited public protection as the reason for the severity of the sentence and permanent disqualification from driving
