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A driver has been found guilty of murdering a much-loved headteacher after striking him while he was cycling home from work and dragging him beneath his car for more than a mile, with the fatal journey ending in Lymm.
Simon Richardson, 35, was convicted of murdering Michael Mullins, 56, who had been headteacher of Stretford Grammar School for 17 years.
Mr Mullins being found critically injured on a grass verge in Wet Gate Lane, Lymm, after being dragged beneath a black Volvo XC90 for approximately 2.2 kilometres.
The collision happened on April 20, when Mr Mullins was cycling home from school.
The court heard that Richardson drove through give-way markings at a junction in Warburton, near Altrincham, and struck Mr Mullins.
Prosecutors said the cyclist became trapped beneath the vehicle, but Richardson continued driving at speed despite knowing he was there.
During the journey towards Lymm, Richardson is alleged to have stopped and attempted to free Mr Mullins before getting back into the vehicle and driving on.
The prosecution said he subsequently drove erratically along Wet Gate Lane, where Mr Mullins was finally dislodged from beneath the car.
Witnesses followed a trail of blood along the route and discovered Mr Mullins lying on a grass verge, still breathing but critically injured.
Emergency services attended, but he was pronounced dead at the scene at 6.50pm, around 40 minutes after the initial collision.
The court heard that Richardson was arrested the following day after a police pursuit in Greater Manchester. He was also convicted of a separate dangerous driving offence relating to that incident.
Richardson had denied murdering Mr Mullins, although the prosecution argued that he knew the cyclist was trapped beneath his vehicle and continued driving regardless.
The trial heard harrowing evidence from witnesses who described the vehicle travelling at speed and the desperate efforts made to locate and help the injured cyclist.
Mr Mullins was remembered as a devoted husband and father who had led Stretford Grammar School for 17 years. He was also involved in grassroots football and was praised for his commitment to young people.
His death left his family, colleagues of the popular headteacher and the wider school community devastated.
Richardson is due to be sentenced on Monday.
