Driver jailed for 25 years after murdering cyclist in Manchester

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 15:52 · Archive

Simon Richardson, 35, was sentenced to a minimum of 25 years for murdering cyclist Michael Mullins after dragging him 2.2km under his car.

Simon Richardson, 35, of Sale, has been jailed for a minimum of 25 years after a jury found him guilty of the murder of Michael Mullins, 56. The jury of six women and six men deliberated for 10 hours and 55 minutes before reaching their verdict at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

On 20 April, Richardson was driving a Volvo on Paddock Lane in Manchester when he struck Mr Mullins, a teacher at Stretford Grammar School who was cycling home from work. The prosecution told the court that Richardson had been 'driving erratically' before the junction where he failed to give way. Despite his passenger, Gabrielle Debotte, shouting 'bike' three times, Richardson drove through the junction and collided with Mr Mullins.

Mr Mullins was thrown onto the bonnet before becoming trapped under the front left side wheel of the Volvo. Richardson continued driving with Mr Mullins trapped underneath the vehicle for 2.2km, at times reaching speeds of around 60mph. During the trial, Ms Debotte testified that she and Richardson could hear 'moaning' under the vehicle shortly after the collision. She told the jury that Richardson said 'he's under the car' as he continued to drive away from the scene.

The vehicle eventually stopped at the junction of Wet Gate Lane in Lymm for around two minutes. Mr Mullins was described as 'born and bred in Cumbria' in the prosecution's account to the court.

How it is being reported

• Tributes paid to Cumbrian teacher after driver who murdered him jailed for 25 yearsA driver who murdered a cyclist after hitting him with his car and dragging him 2.2km while he was trapped underneath has been jailed for a minimum of 25 years.Westmorland Gazette · 2 Nov, 15:17
• Tributes paid to Cumbrian teacher after driver who murdered him jailed for 25 yearsA driver who murdered a cyclist after hitting him with his car and dragging him 2.2km while he was trapped underneath has been jailed for a minimum of 25 years.NW Evening Mail · 2 Nov, 15:17
• Tributes paid to Cumbrian teacher after driver who murdered him jailed for 25 yearsA driver who murdered a cyclist after hitting him with his car and dragging him 2.2km while he was trapped underneath has been jailed for a minimum of 25 years.News & Star · 2 Nov, 15:17
• Tributes paid to Cumbrian teacher after driver who murdered him jailed for 25 yearsA driver who murdered a cyclist after hitting him with his car and dragging him 2.2km while he was trapped underneath has been jailed for a minimum of 25 years.Whitehaven News · 2 Nov, 15:17

In this story: Simon Richardson · Michael Mullins · Gabrielle Debotte · Manchester · Stretford Grammar School · Cumbria

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