A murder trial has heard of the tragic injuries Stretford Grammar headteacher Michael Mullins suffered after he was struck by a car and dragged for over a mile before dying at the side of the road.
Simon Richardson, 35, is alleged to have murdered Michael Mullins as he cycled home in April this year. Mr Richardson denies murder; an alternate offence of manslaughter; and dangerous driving and is on trial at Minshull Street Crown Court.
Collision and alleged dragging
Prosecutors allege that Mr Richardson hit Mr Mullins in his Volvo in Altrincham on April 20. The 56-year-old headteacher was making his way home to Northwich after work when he was struck at the junction of Dunham Road and Warburton Lane, the court was told.
He was dragged under the wheels of the car for 1.3 miles - 2.2km - before dying at the roadside on Wet Gate Lane in Lymm. Mr Richardson, 35, earlier failed to properly observe a junction, 'flying straight through the give way markers', before hitting Mr Mullins, it is alleged.
Jurors heard that the defendant didn't stop and 'put his foot down'. Mr Mullins was trapped under the car while his damaged bike was left in the road.
Alleged attempts to remove victim
Mr Richardson then fled the scene, dragging Mr Mullins along the road. Prosecutors say that Mr Richardson later stopped, got out of the car and made 'concerted physical efforts' to try and pull Mr Mullins from underneath the vehicle.
He then got back behind the wheel and turned sharply in a bid to 'remove' Mr Mullins before he carried on driving, veering 'sharply and deliberately' and mounting a grass verge, the court heard.
Jurors were told witnesses from the collision followed a trail of blood in the road before finding Mr Mullins fatally injured. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Pathologist's evidence
On day four of the trial, jurors heard evidence from consultant forensic pathologist Dr Jamie Robinson. He confirmed he had recorded the cause of Mr Mullins' death as multiple injuries.
Jurors were handed a document containing digitised images of the injuries Mr Mullins sustained. These included a large number of bruises and abrasions, including one severe wound from his shoulder to his left thigh.
The pathologist said this was caused due to the body's contact with a 'rough surface', such as a road surface, over a prolonged period of time. He said Mr Mullins had a fracture to his sternum, and multiple extensive rib fractures, which were worse on the right side of his chest.
He said: “Some may be caused by resuscitation attempts. All of the fractures could be caused by an initial impact or a crush type scenario where a car had overrun the chest.”
Dr Robinson also detailed injuries to both of Mr Mullins' lungs, which he added "can be caused by severe impact or a crush".
Asked by prosecutor Phil Barnes KC: “What part did the drag injuries play in his death?" He replied: "I think if it was those injuries alone, they would be life-threatening, but they certainly sped up death, particularly to the crush type injuries in the chest."
“Would it be possible that his death was caused by dragging?” he was asked. He confirmed: “Yes”.
Forensic evidence and proceedings
Jurors also heard evidence from forensic scientist Robert Harvey who analysed photographs of the blood staining and the 'trail' to Wet Gate Lane, in Lymm, along with the footage from the police helicopter.
Of the trail, Mr Harvey said: “From the area where Mr Mullins’ bike was located and the area he was found, there is what appears to be a streak of blood on the road between those two areas. A smear or a drag mark.
“A smear or drag mark is a contact stain, when wet blood comes into contact with another surface whilst moving.”
The court was shown an image of the blood trail in which more blood appears to have pooled in one section of the road. Mr Harvey confirmed that his view was that the car had been stationary in that location for a longer period.
Mr Richardson, of no fixed address - but formerly of Epsom Avenue in Sale, denies murder; an alternate offence of manslaughter; and dangerous driving. Proceedings continue.
