Shocking Trial: Murder Suspect Led Police Chase After Horrific Headteacher Collision

A murder trial at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court has heard compelling evidence regarding the alleged actions of Simon Richardson, 35, who is accused of striking Stretford Grammar headteacher Michael Mullins with his car before dragging him for over a mile. Prosecutors allege that on April 20, Mr Richardson, while driving, hit Mr Mullins as he cycled home from work and then 'put his foot down,' leaving the 56-year-old to die on a grass verge after being dragged for 2.2 kilometers (1.3 miles). Earlier in the trial, witnesses described seeing a Volvo, allegedly driven by Richardson, moving at high speed towards the junction of Dunham Road and Warburton Lane. Mr Richardson denies charges of murder, an alternate offence of manslaughter, and dangerous driving.

On day six of the trial, jurors were presented with evidence concerning an alleged course of dangerous driving undertaken by Mr Richardson the day after the fatal incident, on the morning of April 21. DS Tricia Soloman, an officer in the case, confirmed that the Volvo of 'obvious interest' to the police was last driven by Mr Richardson on the night of April 20 before being swapped for a silver van. The Volvo was later seen in Altrincham at 7:34 pm, driven by Aaron Parry, and was subsequently taken into police custody after officers spoke with Mr Parry and a female passenger.

Prosecutor Phil Barnes KC detailed how, at 10:45 am on April 21, the silver van was spotted in Failsworth and followed by officers. During the pursuit, the vehicle briefly stopped, and a passenger, identified as Daniel Richards, attempted to alight and leave. Inspector Tom Abbott, who was driving towards the M6, became aware of the silver Ford Transit van and its alleged connection to the previous day's collision. He observed the van exit the motorway at Manchester Lane, turn onto Wickentree Lane, then Peace Street, eventually becoming double-parked next to another van.

Insp Abbott recounted that as he exited his vehicle, he heard one of the van doors shut and a male passenger tried to leave. The driver of the van then 'drove off,' prompting Insp Abbott to resume pursuit. He followed the van onto Corporation Street, Oldham Road, and Wellington Street, noting the driver's 'no consideration for the safety' of others due to the excessive speed. Insp Abbott observed a 'cloud of dust and gravel' as the van collided with the central island of the road, traveling in excess of 50 mph. The van eventually stopped on Corporation Street, where the driver exited and was pursued on foot. Insp Abbott saw the driver go down a ginnel before PC Elliott tackled him to the ground. The driver was later identified as Simon Richardson through a photograph.

PC Gerard Elliott, driving a second police car, testified that he was informed the van was on the M60 heading towards Oldham. He stated that at 10:49 am, the van initially stopped but then made off from police, driving at 50 mph in a 30 mph zone. During the subsequent foot chase, PC Elliott described following the driver, who exited the van on John Street and ran away. PC Elliott approached from the rear of a van where Mr Richardson was 'crouched behind.' The defendant then stood and attempted to escape but was apprehended and arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, to which he gave no reaction. Dashcam footage of the pursuit, from Manchester Lane to the moment Mr Richardson fled the van, was shown to the jury. Mr Richardson, of no fixed address but formerly of Epsom Avenue in Sale, continues to deny all charges as the trial proceeds.