Horrific Details Emerge: Headteacher Dragged Under Car for Over a Mile

A murder trial at Minshull Street Crown Court is currently underway, examining the tragic death of Stretford Grammar headteacher Michael Mullins. Simon Richardson, 35, stands accused of murder, manslaughter, and dangerous driving, all of which he denies. The prosecution alleges that Richardson struck Mr. Mullins with his Volvo on April 20 this year, as Mr. Mullins cycled home to Northwich from work.

The court heard that Mr. Mullins, 56, was hit at the junction of Dunham Road and Warburton Lane in Altrincham. Following the impact, he was allegedly dragged under the wheels of the car for a distance of 1.3 miles (2.2km) before ultimately dying at the roadside on Wet Gate Lane in Lymm. Prosecutors claim that Richardson failed to properly observe a junction, 'flying straight through the give way markers' before hitting Mr. Mullins. It is further alleged that the defendant did not stop after the initial impact but instead 'put his foot down', leaving Mr. Mullins trapped under the car while his damaged bike was left on the road.

The trial heard that Richardson then fled the scene, continuing to drag Mr. Mullins along. Prosecutors contend that Richardson later stopped, exited the vehicle, and made 'concerted physical efforts' to attempt to pull Mr. Mullins from underneath the car. Subsequently, he allegedly re-entered the vehicle and turned sharply in an attempt to 'remove' Mr. Mullins, before continuing to drive, veering 'sharply and deliberately' and mounting a grass verge.

Witnesses to the collision reportedly followed a trail of blood on the road, which led them to Mr. Mullins, who was found fatally injured and pronounced dead at the scene.

On the fourth day of the trial, consultant forensic pathologist Dr. Jamie Robinson presented evidence. He confirmed that the cause of Mr. Mullins' death was multiple injuries. Jurors were shown digital images of the sustained injuries, which included numerous bruises and abrasions. Notably, a severe wound extended from his shoulder to his left thigh, which the pathologist attributed to the body's prolonged contact with a 'rough surface' such as a road. Dr. Robinson also detailed a fractured sternum and multiple extensive rib fractures, predominantly on the right side of Mr. Mullins' chest. He stated that these fractures could have resulted from the initial impact or a 'crush type scenario' where a car had overrun the chest, though some might have been caused by resuscitation attempts. Injuries to both of Mr. Mullins' lungs were also noted, which Dr. Robinson said