The jury in the trial of the man accused of murdering Stretford Grammar School headteacher Michael Mullins has retired to consider its verdicts.
Mr Mullins died on April 20 this year after being struck by a car in Altrincham while cycling home from work to his home in Northwich.
Simon Richardson, 35, of no fixed abode but previously of Epsom Avenue in Sale, denies murder, an alternate offence of manslaughter, and dangerous driving.
Trial at Minshull Street Crown Court
In a trial at Minshull Street Crown Court, which began on October 13, jurors were told that Mr Richardson drove his Volvo XC90 through give way markers at the junction of Dunham Road and Warburton Lane, Altrincham, before hitting Mr Mullins on the evening of April 20, 2026.
The court was told how Mr Mullins was dragged under the wheel of the 4x4 for '2.2km' before he was found and eventually pronounced dead on a grass verge on Wet Gate Lane in Lymm.
The prosecution allege that Mr Richardson 'knowingly' dragged Mr Mullins, not stopping but 'putting his foot down', and at one point made 'concerted physical efforts' to free him from under the car, before carrying on driving.
Evidence and closing arguments
Jurors were told witnesses followed a trail of blood in the road before finding Mr Mullins fatally injured. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
The trial has heard evidence from Mr Richardson's cousin Gabrielle Debotte, who was in the vehicle with him at the time and described the moments leading up to the collision and the aftermath.
The defendant did not give evidence himself. His barrister Jaime Hamilton KC asked the jury not to use their 'contempt' of Mr Richardson to inform their decision.
"You are likely to hold Simon Richardson in contempt," said Mr Hamilton before adding that it may well 'manifest itself in a loathing'.
He then went on to add that while this may be understandable, his actions 'did not make him guilty of the homicide offences on this indictment'.
