By Fatma Younis
A motorist accused of murdering a grammar school headteacher by striking him with a car and dragging him for over a mile appeared in court as jurors heard details of a police pursuit the following day.
Fatal collision in Warburton
Michael Mullins, 56, was cycling home from Stretford Grammar School on the evening of 20 April when a black Volvo XC90 driven by Simon Richardson, 35, allegedly sped through give-way markers at a junction in Warburton, Altrincham, and struck him. Prosecutors say Richardson knew Mullins was beneath the vehicle but continued driving.
Alleged dragging and death
Richardson is accused of driving to a country lane in Lymm, Cheshire, where he veered sharply, mounted a grass verge and drove over Mullins, finally dislodging him. Mullins was found 2.2 kilometres from the initial collision, still breathing, but pronounced dead at the scene at 6:50 pm.
Police pursuit and arrest
The next day, police pursued Richardson in a silver Ford Transit van in Failsworth, Greater Manchester. Dashcam footage showed the van reaching speeds of 50 mph in residential streets before stopping when another vehicle blocked its path. The suspect fled on foot but was apprehended shortly after. An officer testified the driver showed no consideration for the safety of other road users.
CCTV evidence and charges
Jurors previously viewed CCTV footage showing the Volvo driving erratically and overtaking cars before the crash. Richardson denies murder, an alternative count of manslaughter, and a charge of dangerous driving. The trial continues.
