Head teacher dragged to death under car in murder trial

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 17:03 · Archive

A head teacher was dragged to his death under a car for more than a mile after being struck while cycling home, a jury heard.

Michael Mullins, 56, head teacher of Stretford Grammar School, was struck by a black Volvo XC90 driven by Simon Richardson, 35, at the junction of Dunham Road and Warburton Lane in Altrincham on 20 April at 18:07 BST. The prosecution alleges Richardson drove through give-way signs and road markings. Mullins was dragged under the car for 1.3 miles (2.2km) before dying at the roadside on Wet Gate Lane in Lymm.

Richardson allegedly did not stop at the scene and instead fled towards Cheshire at speeds above 60mph. The Crown claims Richardson later stopped and made 'concerted physical efforts' to pull Mullins out from under the vehicle. He then drove on, veering sharply from side to side and mounting a grass verge. Witnesses followed a trail of blood in the road and found Mullins fatally injured.

Richardson, of no fixed address, denies murder. He also denies alternative counts of manslaughter and dangerous driving relating to a police chase the following day. The trial is taking place at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. The jury was warned they would be required to view 'difficult' CCTV footage. Mullins was a married father-of-two making his usual 19-mile commute home from work.

How it is being reported

• Man accused of murdering Stretford Grammar headteacher knowingly dragged him under car for more than a mile after hitting him as he cycled home, trial toldSimon Richardson denies murdering Michael MullinsManchester Evening News · 13 Oct, 16:45
• Head teacher dragged to his death under car, murder trial toldSimon Richardson is accused of driving with Michael Mullins under his car while knowing he was thereBBC Manchester · 13 Oct, 16:34

In this story: Michael Mullins · Simon Richardson · Stretford Grammar School · Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court · Altrincham · Northwich · Lymm

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