Widow says life was ‘callously torn apart’ after husband was dragged under car

The wife of a headteacher, who was mowed down and dragged underneath a vehicle for more than a mile, says her life has been “brutally and callously torn apart” after the driver, Simon Richardson, was found guilty of his murder.

Michael Mullins, 56, was struck by a Volvo XC90 driven by Richardson as he cycled home from Stretford Grammar School in Greater Manchester on 20 April.

Richardson, 35, drove straight through give way markings at a junction in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, and ploughed into Mr Mullins, who fell onto the bonnet and windscreen before he was dragged beneath the car.

The father-of-two became entangled in the suspension of the 4×4 as Richardson drove on, a trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard.

Family members in the public gallery were in tears on Friday after Richardson was found guilty of murder.

Mr Mullins’ wife, who asked not to be named, said in a statement: “My past, present and future have been brutally and callously torn apart.

“My memories of being with Michael through the rough and the smooth are now permanently tainted with sadness.

“Michael is irreplaceable to family, friends and the school.

“There is no one quite like him with his myriad unique qualities that combined to make him mean so much to so many people.

“I am, we are, completely bereft and adrift without our anchor, Michael Mullins.”

Mr Mullins’ daughter said: “My dad, Michael, was so many things. He loved music and was learning to play the guitar.

“He loved to pick us up from the airport after a holiday to be the first to hear about it and growing up would always offer to pick me and my friends up from concerts to make sure we got home.

“I made a promise in those first days that I would 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.

“I am here telling you all that my dad was and always will be our everything.”

His son said: “He was the type of dad that would show up to everything.

“He would drive me to every rugby game on a Sunday and was always there to cheer me on from the sidelines with the same sentiment continuing into my adult life where he would constantly remind (me) of how proud he was of me.

“Our last exchange of words together before he dropped me at the station was him reminding me of how proud he was of me.”

Prosecutors said Richardson knew that Mr Mullins was trapped inches beneath his feet after the collision in Paddock Lane, Warburton, but chose to drive on.

His passenger and cousin Gabrielle Debotte said they could hear “moaning” before Richardson told her: “He’s under the car.”

Phil Barnes KC told jurors that Richardson “knew what the consequences of driving on would be, and he did it anyway”, adding: “He did not do the right thing. He chose to drive away.”

Richardson drove 1.3 miles to a secluded farm track in Wet Gate Lane, Lymm, and twice tried to pull Mr Mullins out before getting back behind the wheel and deliberately swerving from side to side, the court heard.

Mr Mullins was eventually released but was driven over as Richardson reversed and drove away.

A motorcyclist followed a trail of blood from Paddock Lane and discovered Mr Mullins alone and barely breathing on a grass verge, the court heard.

Richardson denied murder, claiming he did not realise Mr Mullins was underneath his car and said he did not get out of his vehicle in a bid to free him.

He was also found guilty of dangerous driving during a police pursuit the following day before his arrest.

Richardson, of no fixed address, will be sentenced on Monday.

Stretford Grammar School previously described Mr Mullins, who had been a “pillar” of the school for 17 years, as a “compassionate leader” and a “source of unwavering support for students and staff alike”.

It added in a statement: “He will be remembered not just for his quietly brilliant leadership, but for the kindness he showed to everyone he met.”

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Edwards said Mr Mullins’ family should be “proud of the courage they have shown”.

She said: “Whilst this trial was to convict Richardson of his horrific crimes, we cannot and will not forget Michael.

“A man who was known for his kind, caring and considerate nature. A man who was simply cycling home from the job he had loved for 17 years – a route he had cycled many times before.

“Richardson chose to take Michael’s life in one of the most horrific ways I have ever seen.”

She added: “Do not remember the offender who has been found guilty of his murder.

“Remember Michael – beloved in his community, his school, by his family and friends – a man who should have come home safe and sound to his family but will be remembered forever in the legacy he has left behind.”