Simon Richardson has been found guilty of murdering a head teacher who was dragged to his death for more than a mile while trapped under the wheels of a car. The 35-year-old man crashed his Volvo into 56-year-old Michael Mullins, who was cycling home from his job at Stretford Grammar School on the evening of April 20 in Warburton, Trafford, Greater Manchester. Prosecutors alleged that Richardson fled the scene, later stopping to attempt to dislodge the injured but still-living cyclist, before continuing to drive with Mr Mullins underneath the vehicle.

Richardson was also convicted of dangerous driving. He will be sentenced on Monday at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. The announcement of the guilty murder verdict was met with shouts of "Yes!" from the court's public gallery, with some attendees heard crying.

The judge, Mrs Justice Brunner KC, informed Richardson that a life sentence is the mandatory punishment for murder. In a statement following the verdicts, Mr Mullins' family described him as an "anchor," a "perfect dad," and "our everything." His widow shared that her "past, present and future have been brutally and callously torn apart," and her memories are now "permanently tainted with sadness."

Mr Mullins' son recalled his father as the "type of Dad that would show up to everything," adding that their last conversation involved his father expressing pride in him. His daughter vowed to "live the rest of my life for my Dad and give myself the life he had started to see me grow into and wanted for me," emphasizing that "my Dad was and always will be our everything."

The court heard that Richardson, who has no fixed address, failed to yield at a junction in Warburton, leading to the collision with the father-of-two, who was pulled under the Volvo XC90. The jury was informed that Richardson drove away before stopping in a country lane, exiting the car twice in attempts to free Mr Mullins.

He then drove onto the grass verge, finally dislodging the victim, but subsequently reversed over Mr Mullins, causing fatal crushing chest injuries. Gabrielle Debotte, Richardson's cousin and a passenger in the car, testified that both heard moaning shortly after the collision and that Richardson had acknowledged, "He is under the car."

The prosecution argued that Mr Mullins' injuries resulted from the dragging and crushing rather than the initial impact of the crash. CCTV footage captured Richardson's Volvo following the collision. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly at Stretford Grammar School, where Mr Mullins was a respected head teacher.

Richardson's conviction for murder marks a significant legal outcome in a case marked by extreme violence and a prolonged period during which the victim was subjected to further trauma. The sentencing will be a crucial step in the legal process, bringing a measure of closure for the victim's grieving family.