Man Convicted of Murder in Head Teacher's Dragging Death
Simon Richardson found guilty of murdering Michael Mullins, who was killed while cycling.
A man has been found guilty of murdering a head teacher who was dragged to his death for more than a mile while trapped under the wheels of a car. Simon Richardson, 35, was convicted of murder, dangerous driving, and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.
Prosecutors stated that Richardson collided with 56-year-old Michael Mullins, who was cycling home from work on the evening of April 20 in the village of Warburton in Greater Manchester. The court heard that Richardson drove through "give way" markings at a junction and struck Mr. Mullins. The prosecution claimed Richardson fled the scene, then stopped to attempt to dislodge the injured cyclist before driving on with Mr. Mullins still underneath the vehicle.
A motorcyclist discovered Mr. Mullins, barely alive, on a grass verge in a secluded country lane in Lymm, Cheshire, following a trail of blood. Emergency services pronounced Mr. Mullins dead at the scene shortly after.
Shouts of "Yes!" were heard from the public gallery as the murder verdict was returned. The judge, Mrs. Justice Brunner, informed Richardson that the mandatory sentence for murder is life imprisonment and thanked the jury for their service, acknowledging that their job "cannot have been easy."
Richardson is scheduled to return to Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court for sentencing on Monday.