Driver who dragged cyclist 2.2km was 'selfish' but not murderer

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 08:59 · Archive

A jury has heard that a driver who struck a cyclist and dragged him 2.2km under his car was responsible for his death but not guilty of murder.

Simon Richardson, 35, is on trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court accused of murdering headteacher Michael Mullins, 56. On 20 April, Richardson drove his black Volvo through a junction on Paddock Lane in Warburton, Altrincham, and struck Mr Mullins as he cycled home from work at Stretford Grammar School.

Mr Mullins became entangled under the vehicle's suspension as Richardson drove away, travelling 2.2 kilometres and leaving a trail of blood. A motorcyclist followed the trail and discovered Mr Mullins barely breathing as he lay on a grass verge on a secluded country lane in Lymm. Emergency services attended and he was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after.

In his closing speech to the jury, Richardson's defence barrister Jaime Hamilton acknowledged that Richardson was responsible for the collision and Mr Mullins's death. He said the jury would likely hold Richardson in contempt for acting 'in the most selfish of ways with one thought in his mind – himself'.

However, Hamilton argued that this did not make Richardson guilty of the homicide offences with which he is charged. He said the prosecution had made a 'conscious decision' to limit the jury's choices to murder, manslaughter or 'not responsible at all', rather than including offences of causing death by dangerous or careless driving on the indictment.

How it is being reported

• Driver who dragged cyclist under car was ‘selfish’ but not murderer, court toldSimon Richardson is accused of murdering Michael MullinsCheshire Live · 28 Oct, 08:23
• Driver who dragged cyclist under car was ‘selfish’ but not a murderer, jury toldA jury has heard that a driver who hit a cyclist and drove on for 2.2km was ‘selfish’ but not a murderer.Northwich Guardian · 27 Oct, 16:48
• Driver who dragged cyclist under car was ‘selfish’ but not a murderer, jury toldA jury has heard that a driver who hit a cyclist and drove on for 2.2km was ‘selfish’ but not a murderer.Warrington Guardian · 27 Oct, 16:48

In this story: Simon Richardson · Michael Mullins · Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court · Warburton · Altrincham · Lymm

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log