Trial hears driver accused of murder refuelled after fatal collision

Simon Richardson, 35, is on trial accused of murdering headteacher Michael Mullins, who was cycling home from work when a Volvo allegedly struck him and dragged him beneath it. Prosecutors say Richardson knew Mr Mullins was under the car but continued driving; the case matters because jurors are considering whether the death was murder.

Court footage showed Richardson filling the damaged Volvo with petrol shortly after the collision, covering his face as he passed security cameras. Prosecutors say he drove for 1.3 miles before turning onto a lane in Lymm and swerving until Mr Mullins was dislodged; he was found 2.2km from the collision and died at the scene. Richardson’s cousin, who was in the car, said he had been driving fast and ignored her calls to slow down.