Driver Convicted of Murder in Death of Headteacher

Simon Richardson, 35, has been convicted of murder after a jury found he intentionally struck and killed headteacher Michael Mullins, 56, while driving a Volvo XC90. The incident occurred on April 20 when Richardson, who had recently been released from prison, sped through a junction in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, and collided with Mullins as he cycled home from Stretford Grammar School.

Witnesses described Richardson as driving recklessly, or “tanking it,” as he approached the junction. The collision trapped Mullins beneath the vehicle, but instead of stopping, Richardson continued to drive for more than a mile at speeds up to 60 mph. During this time, he reportedly swerved the vehicle deliberately in an attempt to dislodge Mullins, who was still under the SUV. The headteacher was eventually thrown clear when the car mounted a grass verge.

Despite leaving Mullins dying at the roadside, Richardson proceeded to a petrol station to refuel his damaged vehicle and collect medication for his cousin, who was a passenger. Witnesses alerted by a trail of blood in the road discovered Mullins, who was still breathing, but he was pronounced dead at the scene approximately 40 minutes after the initial impact.

Analysis of Mullins’ Apple Watch indicated his heart was still recording at the moment he was released from beneath the car. Doctors determined that while Mullins survived the initial collision, the catastrophic injuries sustained during the subsequent drag were fatal.

Richardson switched vehicles to a van but was apprehended the following day after a brief pursuit, prompted by his cousin contacting the police. The cousin testified that she had warned Richardson to slow down prior to the collision and had shouted warnings about the cyclist. She described Richardson's demeanor as dismissive, with him stating, "I'm a professional driver." She also recounted hearing "moaning" sounds from beneath the vehicle after the impact and Richardson's attempt to pull Mullins free before speeding off again.

Richardson did not testify in his defense. He was convicted of murder and dangerous driving at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester after approximately 11 hours of deliberation. He faces a life sentence, with the judge stating that no other sentence was possible. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday.

Mr. Mullins was lauded as a “brilliant” and “transformative” leader at Stretford Grammar School, where he had served for 17 years. The school paid tribute to him as a “uniquely talented headteacher and a man of unshakeable principles.” His family remembered him as a devoted father and husband, stating, “A gap has been left in our hearts and within his role as a headteacher of Stretford Grammar School.”

Richardson, formerly of Sale, Greater Manchester, had denied murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter, as well as dangerous driving related to a pursuit involving a van the day after the fatal incident.