Driver Jailed For Life With Minimum 25-Year Term For Murder Of Cyclist Michael Mullins
A driver who struck a cyclist and dragged him beneath his car for more than a mile has been jailed for life for murder, with a minimum term of 25 years.
Simon Richardson, 35, was sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Monday, 2 November 2026, after a jury found him guilty of murdering Michael Mullins, 56, on 30 October. Mr Mullins was cycling home from Stretford Grammar School, where he was headteacher, when he was hit by Richardson’s Volvo XC90 on 20 April.
The collision happened at a junction on Warburton Lane in Greater Manchester, where Richardson drove through give-way markings and struck Mr Mullins. The cyclist was thrown onto the bonnet and windscreen before becoming trapped beneath the vehicle. Prosecutors said Richardson knew Mr Mullins was underneath the car but continued driving for approximately 2.2 kilometres towards a secluded farm track in Lymm.
During the journey, Richardson stopped and twice attempted to pull Mr Mullins from beneath the vehicle. When those attempts failed, he returned to the car and drove from side to side in an effort to dislodge him. Mr Mullins eventually came free near Wet Gate Lane, but Richardson then reversed over him before leaving the scene. A motorcyclist later followed a trail of blood and found the cyclist on a grass verge.
Richardson denied knowing that Mr Mullins was trapped beneath the vehicle. However, prosecutors presented witness and CCTV evidence to show that he was aware of the situation and continued driving despite the risk of causing fatal or serious injuries. The jury accepted the prosecution's case and convicted him of murder following a trial lasting more than two weeks.
Sentencing judge Mrs Justice Brunner KC described Richardson's disregard for human life as astonishing. The court also heard that he had 28 previous convictions, including several driving-related offences involving disqualified and uninsured driving. Richardson received a concurrent 18-month sentence for a separate dangerous driving offence committed the day after the murder, and was disqualified from driving for life.
Mr Mullins had led Stretford Grammar School for 17 years. His wife, Sarah, and other family members described the devastating impact of his death in statements to the court. Acting headteacher Elizabeth Baxter also paid tribute to his contribution to the school community, remembering him as an inspirational leader whose loss had left a profound gap among pupils, staff and families.
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