**Murderer Sentenced to 25 Years for Dragging Headteacher Under Car**
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A man has been sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison for the murder of a high school principal, Michael Mullins, who was tragically killed after being dragged beneath a vehicle. Simon Richardson, aged 35, was handed a life sentence and a lifetime driving ban at Manchester Minshull Street Court on 2 November, following a jury’s guilty verdict.
Michael Mullins, 56, was cycling home from his role as principal at Stretford Grammar School in Greater Manchester when the incident occurred on 20 April. According to trial evidence, Richardson failed to stop at a junction, colliding with Mullins’s bicycle at speed. Witness accounts revealed that he was travelling at approximately 50 mph when he struck the educator, causing a catastrophic injury.
Rather than coming to the aid of the injured cyclist, Richardson continued to drive with Mullins trapped under his vehicle. Evidence presented during the trial indicated that he stopped on two occasions to attempt to extricate the principal, before driving over a mile away from the collision site onto a grassy area where Mullins became detached after being further dislodged. Tragically, Richardson then reversed over Mullins again, leading to severe chest injuries that ultimately proved fatal.
The grim discovery was made by a passerby on a motorcycle, who noticed a trail of blood leading from the incident site. Emergency responders arrived shortly after but were unable to save Mullins’s life. His death has since left his family and community in deep mourning.
Following the incident, Richardson made an attempt to evade capture by switching vehicles. However, he was arrested the next day on 21 April and charged with murder. Despite pleading not guilty, the jury took just over a week to reach their verdict, finding him guilty on 30 October after a two-week trial.
In an impact statement read in court, Mullins’s wife described him as a “devoted family man” who had a profound love for his friends and family. She expressed hope that her husband’s memory would be preserved with the dignity he truly deserved. Their son spoke movingly about his father’s dedication, stating he “made the world a better place” and lamented the unfillable void left in their lives.
Mullins’s daughter also shared her heartache, reflecting on how significant life events would now feel incomplete without her father present. The emotional weight of her father’s absence was palpable in her words as she mentioned the milestones he should have been there for, including Christmas celebrations and advice for her career.
During the sentencing, it was revealed that Richardson had a lengthy criminal history, with 28 prior offences spanning a range of driving-related incidents. These included careless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, and operating a vehicle while disqualified. Prosecutor Phil Barnes highlighted this troubling background of reckless behaviour, emphasising the danger Richardson posed to others on the roads.
Liz Baxter, the acting principal at Stretford Grammar School, expressed the profound impact Mullins had on the school community, labelling his contributions as “truly immeasurable.” She acknowledged the immense sorrow felt by students and staff, and how they would strive to honour his memory and legacy within the school.
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Edwards, who oversaw the investigation, stated that many students had reached out to express their gratitude for the justice served. She remarked on the long-lasting consequences of Richardson’s reckless decisions, emphasising the void created in the lives of Mullins’s family and community members who cherished him.
As Richardson begins his lengthy sentence, discussions surrounding road safety and the need for more stringent consequences for reckless driving continue to grow. The community grapples with the loss of a dedicated educator, husband, father, and friend, as calls for justice resonate in the wake of this heart-wrenching tragedy.