A headmaster was fatally injured after being struck by a vehicle and dragged for more than a mile in an incident in Altrincham, a court heard. Michael Mullins, 56, who had led Stretford Grammar School for 17 years, died after his foot became trapped under the wheel of a Volvo XC90 driven by Simon Richardson, 35.

The collision occurred shortly after 6 p.m. on April 20, when Richardson allegedly failed to stop at a junction, running through give-way signs and hitting Mr. Mullins as he cycled home along Minshull Street. Mr. Mullins was commuting the 19-mile journey to Weaverham, near Northwich, Cheshire, when the vehicle struck him from the left. CCTV footage captured the moment of impact, during which Mr. Mullins was thrown from his bicycle.

Witnesses stopped to assist the injured man, but Richardson is accused of leaving the scene at speeds exceeding 60 mph—double the posted 30 mph limit—while driving his damaged vehicle. According to prosecuting counsel Phil Barnes KC, Richardson was aware that Mr. Mullins was trapped beneath his car and at risk of serious harm or death but continued driving regardless. The prosecution presented evidence that Richardson briefly stopped after the collision and noticed Mr. Mullins was still alive. After unsuccessfully attempting to free him, Richardson allegedly resumed driving, swerving and mounting a grass verge.

Eventually, Mr. Mullins was thrown clear from under the vehicle but was then run over a second time before Richardson left the scene. Following the incident, Richardson reportedly stopped at a petrol station to refuel and later collected weight loss medication. It was noted that his cousin, Gabrielle Debotte, who had been a passenger throughout, was seen visibly distressed at the petrol station.

Emergency services treated Mr. Mullins at the roadside, though he was pronounced dead approximately 40 minutes later. Richardson, who is of no fixed address, was subsequently arrested after police pursued a Ford Transit van linked to him, which he allegedly operated dangerously and at high speeds.

During police interview, Richardson declined to answer questions. He denies charges of murder, manslaughter, and dangerous driving. The trial at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester is scheduled to last five weeks and will continue with further testimonies and evidence.