Murderer dragged head teacher to his death in car

Simon Richardson, 35, was convicted and sentenced to at least 25 years in prison for murdering Michael Mullins, a 56-year-old head teacher from Stretford Grammar School. On April 20, 2026, Richardson drove his Volvo XC90 through give-way markers in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, hitting Mullins who was cycling home from work. After the collision, Richardson dragged Mullins under his car for over a mile before driving away.

A motorcyclist discovered Mullins alone and barely breathing on a grass verge near Lymm, Cheshire; he died shortly after at the scene. Richardson had been previously released from prison with 28 prior convictions related to driving offenses. He was also found guilty of dangerous driving following a police chase the day after the incident.

Mullins' wife described her life as "brutally and callously torn apart" due to the loss of her husband, whom she called an "irreplaceable" headteacher beloved by his community and school. Richardson's defense argued that he did not realize Mullins was under the car initially but was sentenced based on evidence suggesting otherwise.