Simon Richardson, 35, has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 25 years for the murder of Stretford Grammar headteacher Michael Mullins. Richardson ran over Mr Mullins in his Volvo in April this year at the junction of Dunham Road and Warburton Lane, in Partington, as the 56-year-old cycled home from work.
Mr Mullins was dragged under the wheels of Richardson's car for 1.3 miles (2.2km) before dying at the roadside on Wet Gate Lane in Lymm. Richardson, of no fixed address but formerly of Epsom Avenue, Sale, denied murder, an alternative offence of manslaughter, and dangerous driving, and stood trial at Minshull Street Crown Court.
On Friday (October 30), jurors found him guilty of murder and dangerous driving. Today, November 2, he was jailed for life to serve a minimum term of 25 years.
Victim impact statements
During his sentencing hearing, the court heard a number of emotional victim personal statements on behalf of Stretford Grammar school, Mr Mullins' wife and their two children. Elizabeth Baxter, acting headteacher of the school, said: "He was appointed in 2009 when the school was in special measures. Over the next 17 years Michael's impact on the school was truly transformative."
"It became a highly special, popular and over-subscribed school, which was well respected in the community. It was an honour and privilege to work alongside him. He was determined to instil a very high standard and expectations within school underpinned by the unshakable belief that our students deserved the very best," she said.
"Michael created a very special community built on respect and kindness. The outpouring of grief following Michael's death was nothing short of incredible. It goes some way to represent what he meant to so many people. We will never forget him, we will remember and honour him as he was. Our beloved headteacher, colleague and friend."
Family tributes
Sarah, Mr Mullins' wife, said: "The sudden manner of his passing at the side of the road robbed us of the opportunity to tell him how much we loved him. Michael was my safety net. We have been together for 33 years and married for 27. My past, present and future have been callously torn apart."
"It is for Michael I cry. For everything taken from him, our plans to travel, to see our children married. He was taken by the vicious heinous actions of an individual who had given nothing back to society. I am angry and bitter but I try to focus on ensuring Michael is remembered for the dignity and affection he would have wanted. He was so much more than a husband, he was a devoted family man. His death had created an enormous black hole and sucked all joy into it. I am, we are, completely adrift and bereft without our anchor, Michael Mullins."
Harry, the couple's son, said: "My dad was my best friend. A strong man immensely proud of his roots. He felt pride in being a father, husband and grandad. The actions taken during and after events were done by a true coward. There are no words to express the devastation caused and the emptiness in our lives without him."
Their daughter, Maisie, said: "I'm angry as his death did not have to happen. He did not have to be abandoned. He did not have to be dragged. He did not have to be hit. I cannot let the emotion develop fully as it would consume me. Some days grief swallows me so much it's hard to believe the last six months are real. Dad deserved to die at an old age surrounded by loved ones."
Previous convictions and sentencing
The court heard that Richardson had 11 previous convictions for 28 offences including assaulting emergency workers, being drunk and disorderly, as well as a raft of driving offences. In April 2011 he was convicted of careless driving, driving without insurance, and failing to stop at an accident.
The court heard that he was driving his girlfriend's brother's car without permission, lost control and crashed into a wall and fled without reporting the collision. He was also on bail at the time of the offences for allegations of affray, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of cocaine, and awaits trial in 2027.
Defending, Jaime Hamilton KC said there was a lack of premeditation. "This defendant did accept his actions did lead to the death of Mr Mullins and through me expresses his remorse," he said. "His partner was diagnosed with cancer in 2023, and passed away in 2024 leaving two children who are looked after by other family members."
Sentencing, Mrs Justice Kate Brunner KC said: "You knew you were dragging a man you believed was conscious against an abrasive surface, you drove at high speeds, ignored pleas to stop and even after seeing the state he was in, you carried on driving and tried to dislodge him. You decided that escaping from the scene was more important than human life. You had many opportunities to change your mind, and repeatedly made the same decision. You are a man who had his own self interest at heart throughout the offending and the trial process."
Richardson was jailed for life to serve a minimum term of 25 years minus the 192 days he has spent in custody. He was also banned from driving for life. As he was sentenced, clapping could be heard from the public gallery.
