Simon Richardson, 35, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of head teacher Michael Mullins, 56, whom he dragged for over a mile under his car. The incident occurred on April 20 in Warburton, Greater Manchester, as Mullins cycled home from Stretford Grammar School.
Jurors at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard that Richardson first collided with Mullins, who was still alive after the impact. He then reportedly stopped to attempt to dislodge the injured cyclist before continuing to drive with Mullins trapped underneath his vehicle.
The judge ordered Richardson to serve a minimum of 25 years before he can be considered for parole. Mrs Justice Brenner KC stated that Richardson "took away a life and in doing so you caused devastation to a family and a community." She emphasized that Richardson "deliberately used [his] car as a weapon over a prolonged period."
Richardson has a history of 28 previous convictions, including numerous driving-related offenses spanning 15 years. At the time of the murder, he was on bail for charges of affray and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The judge also imposed a lifetime driving ban on Richardson to protect the public, citing his "complete contempt you have for the law."