Simon Richardson, 35, has been found guilty of murdering Michael Mullins, 56, after dragging the head teacher for over a mile under his Volvo XC90 in Trafford, Greater Manchester, on April 20th. Prosecutors argued Richardson intentionally drove on after colliding with Mullins, who was cycling home from Stretford Grammar School, despite hearing the cyclist ‘moaning’ and knowing he was trapped under the vehicle. Gabrielle Debotte, Richardson’s cousin and a passenger in the car, testified to hearing the moaning and Richardson stating, “He’s under the car.” The prosecution presented evidence that Mullins’ injuries were caused by dragging and crushing, not solely the initial impact. Richardson claimed he was unaware Mullins was under the car and did not attempt to free him, but jurors rejected his account. He drove for 1.3 miles before attempting to dislodge Mullins, ultimately reversing over him and causing fatal chest injuries. A motorcyclist discovered Mullins barely breathing on a grass verge after following a trail of blood. Richardson was arrested after a police chase. Mrs. Justice Brunner KC stated the sentence for murder is life imprisonment, to be determined at a sentencing hearing on Monday. Shouts of “Yes!” and cries were heard from the public gallery following the verdict.
Our reading is that the evidence presented to the jury successfully demonstrated Richardson’s intent to cause harm beyond a simple traffic accident. The testimony regarding the ‘moaning’ and Richardson’s statement, combined with the nature of the injuries, clearly refuted his claim of unawareness. The length of time and distance Richardson drove with Mullins trapped under the vehicle suggests a deliberate and callous disregard for the cyclist’s life.
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