A driver who dragged a school principal beneath his car for more than a mile has received a life sentence with a minimum term of 25 years for murder.
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Simon Richardson, 35, received his sentence on Monday, November 2, after a jury found him guilty of murdering Michael Mullins, 56, in Greater Manchester, England.
Richardson struck Mullins with his vehicle on April 20 before continuing to drive with the teacher trapped underneath.
The court also imposed a lifetime driving ban.
Driver Sentenced to Minimum of 25 Years for School Principal's Murder
Mullins, a father of two and principal of Stretford Grammar School, was cycling home from work when Richardson struck him.
According to authorities, Richardson failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with Mullins while traveling at approximately 50 mph.
The impact reportedly threw Mullins onto the windshield before he became trapped beneath the vehicle, tangled in its suspension.
Prosecutors revealed that Richardson stopped twice and attempted to pull the teacher free.
He eventually drove onto a grassy area, where he managed to dislodge Mullins more than a mile from the initial collision.
However, the 56-year-old had suffered devastating injuries, including severe "crushing" injuries to his chest.
Wife Pays Tribute to Murdered School Principal
A motorcyclist later discovered Mullins after following a trail of blood along the road.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but responders pronounced the teacher dead.
Police located and arrested Richardson the following day. Investigators said he had attempted to evade capture by switching vehicles.
Richardson pleaded not guilty to murder, but a jury convicted him following a two-week trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.
Following the sentencing, Mullins' wife paid an emotional tribute to her late husband.
"I try to focus on ensuring that Michael is remembered with the dignity and affection he would have wanted," she said.
She described him as a "devoted family man" who "loved his friends and "lived and breathed his vocation as a teacher""
The court also heard details of Richardson's extensive criminal history, which included convictions for 28 previous offenses.
His record included careless driving and a 2011 conviction for failing to stop or report an accident. In 2012, authorities caught him driving while disqualified and under the influence of alcohol.
He received further convictions in 2013 for driving while disqualified and without insurance. More recently, in 2023, Richardson was convicted of driving without a license or insurance.
