Man jailed for life after dragging head teacher to his death under his car

A man who hit a cyclist and knowingly dragged him for more than a mile under his car has been sentenced to at least 25 years in prison for the murder.

Warning - contains details of injuries some may find distressing

Simon Richardson, 35, failed to give way at a stop sign in Greater Manchester and struck headteacher Michael Mullins.

The father-of-two hit the bonnet and windscreen before going underneath the Volvo on the evening of 20 April.

Prosecutors said Richardson chose to drive on from the scene in Paddock Lane, Warburton, despite knowing Mr Mullins was trapped inches beneath his feet.

The killer drove 1.3 miles (2km) to a farm track and twice tried to dislodge Mr Mullins.

Jurors heard when he was unsuccessful, Richardson got back in and swerved sharply from side to side to try to dislodge him.

Mr Mullins was eventually dislodged, but Richardson drove over him again as he reversed and fled.

Judge Kate Brunner KC sentenced Richardson to a minimum of 25 years in prison at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Monday.

She told him he had shown an "astonishing degree of disregard for human life".

"For every moment you carried on, you were knowingly using your heavy vehicle to cause serious injury to a man who was trapped, injured and completely helpless as a result of your actions," she said.

"You did that because you decided escaping from the scene of an accident was more important than a human life."

A motorcyclist, who had followed the trail of blood, found the 56-year-old on a grass verge. Emergency services were called but he could not be saved.

Mr Mullins had been cycling home from his job at Stretford Grammar School.

During the trial, Richardson's cousin Gabrielle Debotte, who was in the front seat, told the court they both heard "moaning" from outside as he drove from the collision scene.

Giving evidence for the prosecution, she said Richardson said: "He's under the car."

Richardson was arrested the next day after a police chase.

He claimed he had not realised Mr Mullins was under the car and denied getting out to try to free him.

But Richardson was found guilty of murder on Friday.

Family members in the public gallery wept as the verdict was handed down.

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Sarah Mullins, the victim's wife of 27 years, said her husband was her "safety net" as she spoke of the "all-consuming lethargy that makes it feel difficult to put one foot in front of another" since his death.

"My past, present and future have been brutally and callously torn apart, my present is empty and often seems to be without purpose," she said.

"The fact that Michael had to endure such a violent and painful death is an open wound that refuses to heal.

"I am, we are, completely adrift and bereft without our anchor, Michael Mullins."

Elizabeth Baxter, the acting head teacher at Stretford Grammar School, said it was an "honour and a privilege" to work alongside Mr Mullins, who led the school for 17 years.

Prosecution counsel Phil Barnes KC told the court Richardson had previous convictions for 28 offences, with a "significant history" of driving-related crimes.

Richardson's defence barrister Jaime Hamilton KC argued it was a mitigating factor that the killing was not premeditated.

Describing him as an inspirational leader, she said: "He has left a void and a gulf at every level of our school."

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