Motorist who dragged cyclist under his car for more than a mile guilty of murder

A motorist has been found guilty of murder after hitting a cyclist and knowingly dragging him for more than a mile under his car.

Warning - contains details of injuries some may find distressing

Simon Richardson, 35, failed to give way at a stop sign in Greater Manchester and struck headteacher Michael Mullins.

The father-of-two, who was travelling home from Stretford Grammar School, hit the bonnet and windscreen before going underneath the Volvo on the evening of 20 April.

Prosecutors said Richardson chose to drive on from the scene in Paddock Lane, Warburton, despite knowing Mr Mullins was trapped inches beneath his feet.

Phil Barnes KC told jurors: "Simon Richardson knew he was there and he inevitably knew what the consequences of driving on would be, and he did it anyway."

Richardson's cousin and front seat passenger, Gabrielle Debotte, described hearing "moaning" and said Richardson had told her: "He's under the car."

The killer drove 1.3 miles to a farm track and twice tried to pull Mr Mullins out.

Jurors at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard he was unsuccessful so got back in and swerved sharply from side to side to try to dislodge him.

Mr Mullins was eventually released, but Richardson drove over him again as he reversed and fled.

The court was told a motorcyclist, who had followed the trail of blood, found the 56-year-old on a grass verge. Emergency services were called but he could not be saved.

Richardson, of no fixed address, later changed vehicles to try to avoid capture.

He was arrested the next day after a police chase.

Richardson claimed he had not realised Mr Mullins was under the car and denied getting out to try to free him.

The jury did not believe him and he will be sentenced for murder - as well as dangerous driving over the police chase - on 2 November.

The family of Mr Mullins - who was from Northwich, Cheshire - were in tears on Friday as the verdicts were read out.

His wife, who asked not to be named, said in a statement: "My past, present and future have been brutally and callously torn apart.

"My memories of being with Michael through the rough and the smooth are now permanently tainted with sadness.

"Michael is irreplaceable to family, friends and the school."

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In their own tributes, his son and daughter both described him as a loving and devoted father who was always there for them.

"I am here telling you all that my dad was and always will be our everything," his daughter said.

Mr Mullins' son said he "was the type of dad that would show up to everything".

He added: "Our last exchange of words together before he dropped me at the station was him reminding me of how proud he was of me."

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