Home / Crime and Justice / Driver Jailed for Life for Dragging Teacher to Death
Driver Jailed for Life for Dragging Teacher to Death
2 Nov
Summary
- Driver Simon Richardson received a life sentence for murder.
- He must serve a minimum of 25 years before parole eligibility.
- The victim, Michael Mullins, was dragged over a mile under the car.
Simon Richardson, 35, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 56-year-old Michael Mullins. The driver dragged the head teacher for more than a mile after crashing into him on April 20th as Mr. Mullins cycled home. Jurors heard that Richardson stopped and attempted to dislodge the injured, but still-living cyclist before continuing to drive with him underneath his vehicle.
Richardson must serve a minimum of 25 years. The judge noted his significant history of 28 previous offenses, including many driving-related crimes, and that he was on bail at the time. Mrs. Justice Brenner KC stated Richardson used his car as a weapon over a prolonged period, showing contempt for the law, and imposed a lifetime driving ban to protect the public.
The court heard that Richardson heard Mr. Mullins moaning for several minutes and was aware he was dragging a conscious man. CCTV footage described as too distressing to watch captured an astonishing disregard for human life as Richardson performed maneuvers to injure the victim. He drove through junctions and eventually attempted to dislodge the body on a farm track before reversing over Mr. Mullins and driving away.
Mr. Mullins, from Northwich, Cheshire, died from multiple injuries. His wife of 27 years described the devastation and emptiness since his death, calling him her "safety net." Elizabeth Baxter, acting head teacher at Stretford Grammar School, remembered Mr. Mullins, who had led the school for 17 years, as an "honour and a privilege" to work with.
