Shocking Details Emerge in Michael Mullins Hit-and-Run Trial: Footage Reveals Horrific Dragging

Simon Richardson, 35, is currently on trial at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court, facing charges of murder, manslaughter, and dangerous driving. Prosecutors allege that on April 20, Mr. Richardson struck Stretford Grammar headteacher Michael Mullins with his Volvo while Mr. Mullins was cycling home from work. The collision occurred at the junction of Dunham Road and Warburton Lane in Altrincham.

Witnesses in the trial described seeing a Volvo 'absolutely tanking it' towards the junction. According to Gabrielle Debotte, Mr. Richardson's cousin and passenger at the time, his driving was 'unusual' and 'faster than usual'. She testified that she shouted 'bike' three times as they approached the junction, noticing Mr. Richardson was not stopping. She stated that he didn't slow down and crashed into the bike, with the front of the car hitting it directly, and Mr. Mullins subsequently went under the vehicle.

Prosecutors claim that Mr. Richardson did not stop after the initial impact, instead choosing to 'put his foot down', dragging the 56-year-old Mr. Mullins along the road for approximately 2.2 kilometers (1.3 miles). Ms. Debotte further stated that Mr. Richardson stopped for only a 'split second' after the collision before driving off. She urged him, saying 'we need to get out', but he remained silent. Her testimony included hearing a 'moaning' noise from underneath the car after the collision, which prompted Mr. Richardson to confirm to her, 'He's under the car'.

It is also alleged that Mr. Richardson made 'concerted physical efforts' to try and pull Mr. Mullins from underneath the vehicle when he eventually stopped, before getting back behind the wheel. He then allegedly turned sharply in an attempt to 'remove' Mr. Mullins, continuing to drive erratically, swerving the wheel, and veering 'sharply and deliberately' to mount a grass verge on Wet Gate Lane in Lymm, where Mr. Mullins was later found deceased.

The day after the incident, on April 21, the Volvo, which police considered to be of 'obvious interest', was swapped for a silver Ford Transit van by Mr. Richardson. The Volvo was later seen in Altrincham, driven by Aaron Parry, and subsequently taken into police custody. On the morning of April 21, at 10:45 am, the silver van was spotted in Failsworth and followed by police officers.

Dashcam footage shown to the jury depicted Mr. Richardson allegedly driving at speed in the silver Ford Transit van around a corner on Wrigley Head in Oldham before braking sharply and fleeing from the driver's side. Inspector Tom Abbott and PC Gerard Elliott were involved in the pursuit. Insp. Abbott noted that Mr. Richardson showed 'no consideration for the safety' of others, driving in excess of 50 mph, and at one point, the van collided with a central island, creating a 'cloud of dust and gravel'.

The chase concluded when the van stopped on Corporation Street, and Mr. Richardson fled on foot down a ginnel. PC Elliott pursued him and tackled him to the ground. Mr. Richardson was subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, reportedly showing no reaction to his arrest. Dashcam footage of the pursuit, from Manchester Lane to the moment Mr. Richardson fled the van, was presented to the jury. Mr. Richardson, of no fixed address but formerly of Epsom Avenue in Sale, continues to deny the charges.