Simon Richardson Guilty of Michael Mullins Murder

Prosecutors charged Richardson with fleeing the crash scene, then stopping to dislodge the injured cyclist, and continuing to drive with Michael Mullins still trapped beneath his vehicle. Richardson, however, claimed he never realized Mullins was under his car and denied attempting to free him.

Gabrielle Debotte, Richardson's cousin and passenger, testified she warned Richardson to slow down before the collision. She shouted 'bike' multiple times, at one point stating, 'He’s under the car.'

Richardson reportedly smirked and said, 'I'm a professional driver,' when his cousin urged him to slow down. He also denied exiting the vehicle or trying to pull Mr. Mullins clear.

Mr. Mullins' Apple Watch recorded his heart rate until the moment he was released from under the car. Richardson was arrested the day after the incident following a police pursuit.

A motorcyclist discovered Michael Mullins on a grass verge in Lymm, Cheshire. This discovery came after Richardson drove through 'give way' markings at a junction in Warburton and collided with Mullins.

Emergency services pronounced Michael Mullins dead at the scene.

Richardson will be sentenced on Monday at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. Mrs Justice Brunner KC discharged the jury from further service for 10 years, noting, 'This was, I know, an upsetting case and there was evidence which you may have found distressing.'