The trial of the man accused of murdering Stretford Grammar headteacher Michael Mullins continues today (Wednesday, October 14). Simon Richardson is alleged to have knowingly dragged the popular educator under his car for more than a mile after hitting him as he cycled home.
Charges and Allegations
The 35-year-old, of no fixed address but formerly of Epsom Avenue in Sale, denies murder; an alternate offence of manslaughter; and dangerous driving. He is on trial at Minshull Street Crown Court.
As the trial opened on Tuesday (October 13), jurors heard Mr Richardson hit Mr Mullins in his Volvo in Altrincham in April this year. The 56-year-old head was making his way home to Northwich, Cheshire, after work when he was struck at the junction of Dunham Road and Warburton Lane, the court was told.
Incident Details
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, jurors heard. Mr Richardson, 35, earlier failed to properly observe a junction, 'flying straight through the give way markers', before hitting Mr Mullins, the court heard.
The defendant didn't stop and 'put his foot down', prosecutors allege. Mr Mullins was trapped under the car, the court heard, while his damaged bike was left in the road.
Prosecution Case
Mr Richardson fled, jurors were told, dragging Mr Mullins along the road. The Crown says 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, the court heard. Mr Richardson, the trial heard, then carried on driving, veering 'sharply and deliberately' and mounting a grass verge.
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.
Mr Richardson, prosecutors allege, knew Mr Mullins was beneath his car 'trapped and injured, but alive' and that he knew his actions would either kill him or cause him the 'gravest of injuries', yet continued to drive.
Trial Continues
Updates from Minshull Street Crown Court on day two of the trial are being provided in a live blog.
