Driver convicted of murder after dragging headteacher beneath SUV for a mile
Simon Richardson has been convicted of murdering headteacher Michael Mullins, whom he struck while driving in Altrincham and dragged beneath his SUV for more than a mile. The case has raised the question of how Richardson’s decision to keep driving after the collision turned an initial impact into fatal injuries.
Mullins, 56, was cycling home from Stretford Grammar School, where he had led the school for 17 years. Witnesses said Richardson drove at up to 60mph and swerved in an attempt to dislodge him; the car eventually crossed a verge in Lymm, where Mullins was found still breathing and later declared dead. A jury at Minshull Street Crown Court convicted Richardson of murder and dangerous driving after about 11 hours of deliberation. He will be sentenced on Monday, with the judge saying the sentence will be life imprisonment and that she must decide its minimum term.
In short
- Simon Richardson was convicted of murdering headteacher Michael Mullins.
- Mullins was dragged beneath an SUV for more than a mile.
- Richardson faces life imprisonment, with the minimum term to be set.
Explained simply
In England and Wales, murder is a criminal offence that can apply when someone intends to kill or cause really serious harm. A murder conviction carries a life sentence, but the judge sets a minimum term before the person can be considered for release.
Michael Mullins was the headteacher of Stretford Grammar School for 17 years. He was cycling home when he was struck by an SUV driven by Simon Richardson; the case focused in part on what happened after the collision.
The distinction between an initial collision and a driver’s actions afterwards can matter when a court considers responsibility for a death. Dangerous driving is a separate offence concerning driving that falls far below the standard expected and creates serious danger to others.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Killer driver who mowed down ‘uniquely talented’ headteacher in two-ton SUV and dragged him for over a mile convicted of his murder”.