Driver jailed for life over murder of headteacher Michael Mullins

Simon Richardson, 35, has been jailed for life for the murder of Michael Mullins, a headteacher who was struck by Richardson's car while cycling home from school. Richardson must serve a minimum of 25 years in prison, according to The Guardian. Mrs Justice Brunner KC sentenced him on Monday 2 November at Manchester Minshull Street crown court, where serious criminal cases are heard in England and Wales.

A jury found Richardson guilty of murder. He pleaded not guilty throughout his trial.

Mullins, 56, was headteacher at a grammar school in Stretford, Greater Manchester. On the evening of 20 April he was cycling home when he was hit in the village of Warburton, in Trafford. Richardson was driving a Volvo XC90, and had ignored give-way signs at a junction before the collision.

Mullins became trapped under the car and was dragged for more than a mile. Richardson then drove to a secluded farm track in Lymm, 1.3 miles away, in an attempt to dislodge him. Gabrielle Debotte, Richardson's cousin, who was in the front passenger seat, testified that she and Richardson heard moaning from outside as he drove away from the collision.

According to the court's account of events, Richardson stopped and twice tried to pull Mullins out. He then drove sharply from side to side, mounted a grass verge, and ran over Mullins again as he reversed and drove away.

A motorcyclist followed a trail of blood from the collision spot. He found Mullins alone on a grass verge, barely breathing. Mullins died from multiple injuries.

Mullins was from Northwich, Cheshire, and was a father of two. His family described him as "an anchor", "the perfect dad" and "our everything", in a statement released by Greater Manchester Police.

Richardson, who was of no fixed address, pleaded not guilty throughout his trial.