The family of Michael Mullins (56), a beloved husband, father, teacher, headteacher and friend have paid tribute to him after a man was found guilty of his murder.

Michael Mullins has been described as ‘an anchor’, ‘the perfect dad’ and ‘our everything’ by his family.

Simon Richardson (16/05/1991), of no fixed abode, was found guilty of murder today (Friday 30 October 2026) following a two-week trial at Manchester Minshull Street Court.

The court heard how Mr Mullins was cycling home from his job as headteacher at Stretford Grammar School on Monday 20 April 2026 when he was hit and killed by a car driven by Simon Richardson.

Richardson failed to give way at a stop sign before colliding with Mr Mullins and driving off with Mr Mullins sadly trapped beneath the car. He also proceeded to change cars in a bid to evade capture.

He was arrested on Tuesday 21 April 2026 following a short pursuit and charged with murder. Richardson continue to plead not guilty throughout the trial and a jury found him guilty. He will be sentenced on Monday 2 November 2026.

Mr Mullins courageous family attended trial throughout and paid tribute to him during it:

Michael’s wife said: “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 of 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.”

Michael’s 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 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.”

Michael’s 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.”

Following the verdict, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Louise Edwards said: “Firstly I’d like to commend Michael’s family for the way they have conducted themselves throughout this trial. They have had to listen to what happened to their beloved Michael and how cowardly Richardson was throughout it. They should be proud of the courage they have shown, and they have done it for Michael.

“No family should have to go through the pain of losing a loved one. To go through what they have experienced is unimaginable and I know it has caused a great deal of pain to all of those who knew Michael.

“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. I will not go into the details again of what happened to Michael, but I hope that his family and friends  can find some form of justice knowing that Richardson has now been found guilty.

“I’d like to thank the people that stopped to try and help Michael on that April evening. You couldn’t have imagined what had happened to him and where he was, yet you searched all around to try and find him to help him, to do what you could during his final moments. To know that someone was with him helped to give his family a glimmer of comfort during this incredible tragedy.

“I’d also like to thank the team of officers who have worked tirelessly to get justice for Michael. They have gone through countless witness statements and hours of CCTV footage to build our investigation and deliver today’s result.

“We cannot also forget the family liaison officers who have provided support, care and kindness to help the family get through this and I hope now that Michael’s family can begin to move on from this horrific chapter in their lives.

“Finally, I’d like you all to remember Michael. 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.”