Grammar School Head Dragged Over Mile in Fatal Encounter, Murder Trial Hears

A grammar school headteacher was struck by a driver and dragged for more than a mile before being left to die at the roadside, a murder trial has been told. Michael Mullins, 56, the head of Stretford Grammar School for 17 years, sustained fatal injuries on April 20 when he became trapped beneath a Volvo SUV.

Simon Richardson, 35, is accused of murder. Prosecutors allege that Richardson was aware Mr. Mullins was trapped and risked death or serious injury but continued to drive, reaching speeds of up to 60 mph. CCTV footage presented to the jury reportedly shows the car swerving and mounting a grass verge, where Mr. Mullins was dislodged and then run over again before Richardson drove away.

According to the prosecution, Richardson stopped for approximately 90 seconds on a country road, during which time data from Mr. Mullins' watch indicated he was still alive. Prosecutors described this as an attempt to leave him to die rather than an effort to help.

Mr. Mullins was cycling a 19-mile route home when his vehicle struck him from the left shortly after 6 p.m. in Altrincham. Richardson had allegedly failed to stop at a junction and driven through give-way signs. Witnesses stopped at the scene, but Richardson continued to drive his damaged vehicle.

Phil Barnes KC, prosecuting, told the jury that for a significant portion of the journey, Richardson knew Mr. Mullins was trapped beneath his car, injured but alive. He stated that Richardson knew driving off would kill Mr. Mullins or cause grave injuries, yet he continued.

Mr. Mullins died from multiple injuries sustained from being dragged along the road, not the initial collision. He was treated by paramedics at the roadside but was pronounced dead 40 minutes later.

After leaving the scene, Richardson allegedly stopped at a petrol station to refuel and then collected weight loss medication before driving to his cousin's house. His cousin, Gabrielle Debotte, who was in the car during the incident, is expected to testify as a prosecution witness. She reportedly went to the police the following day.

Richardson was later arrested after a police pursuit of a Ford Transit van he had acquired. When interviewed, he declined to answer questions.

Richardson, of no fixed address, denies charges of murder and manslaughter, as well as dangerous driving. The trial is expected to last five weeks.