Simon Richardson, 35, has been convicted of murdering Michael Mullins, 56, a respected headteacher who was dragged for over a mile by Richardson's SUV before succumbing to fatal injuries. Richardson faces a mandatory life sentence.
Mullins, described as an 'inspirational' and 'transformative' leader at Stretford Grammar School for 17 years, was cycling home on April 20 when Richardson, driving at speeds up to 60 mph, struck him at a junction in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. Instead of stopping, Richardson continued driving, inflicting catastrophic injuries on Mullins, who initially survived the impact.
The court heard that at the time of the incident, Richardson had five previous driving-related convictions dating back to 2011, including failure to stop after a crash, driving while disqualified, and two drink-driving offenses. He was also on bail for assaulting an emergency worker and awaiting trial on charges including affray, causing actual bodily harm, and cocaine possession. In total, Richardson has 28 previous offenses and 11 court appearances since the age of 18, including convictions for public disorder, battery, stalking, and threatening criminal damage.
Witnesses reported that Richardson veered the vehicle sharply from side to side in an attempt to dislodge Mullins from beneath the car. Mullins was finally thrown clear when the SUV mounted a grass verge, only to be driven over again by Richardson. He then drove away from the scene, stopping to refuel his dented Volvo XC90 and collect medication for his cousin, who was a passenger in the vehicle.
Paramedics pronounced Mullins dead at the scene approximately 40 minutes after the collision. Analysis of his smartwatch indicated he was still alive after the initial impact. Richardson was arrested the following day after switching vehicles and being pursued by police, having been reported by his cousin.
Mullins' family described him as an 'anchor,' 'the perfect dad,' and 'our everything.' His wife stated that her life has been 'brutally and callously torn apart.' His children remembered him as a supportive and encouraging father who was always present in their lives.
Stretford Grammar School mourned Mullins as a 'uniquely talented headteacher and a man of unshakeable principles,' praising his 'quietly brilliant' leadership and 'transformative' vision. Detective Sergeant Tricia Solomon of Greater Manchester Police commended Mullins as a 'man who was kind and caring' and 'beloved in his community,' adding that he 'should have come home safe and sound to his family'.