murderer and his murder weapon

Too many years ago, I was a die-hard bicyclist who pedaled everywhere. That habit died here in Minnesota, where we’re buried in snow for 6 months of the year, and half the remaining time is non-stop prairie winds. Some people do manage it, though, and I was thinking maybe I should start up again in my retirement, for those months when it is practical.

On second thought, though, the real daunting concern is all the assholes in cars.

Simon Richardson, 35, crashed into headteacher Michael Mullins, 56, who was cycling home from work at Stretford grammar school, Greater Manchester, on the evening of 20 April. Mullins hit the bonnet and windscreen of Richardson’s Volvo XC90 and then went under the car, becoming entangled in the suspension.

Richardson continued to drive for more than a mile, knowing that the trapped cyclist was just inches under his feet, a trial at Manchester Minshull Street crown court heard.
…
Richardson’s front-seat passenger, his cousin Gabrielle Debotte, told the trial they both heard “moaning” from outside as he drove away from the collision scene. Giving evidence for the prosecution, she said Richardson went on to say: “He’s under the car.”

The collision happened in the village of Warburton. The court heard Richardson drove to a secluded farm track in Lymm, 1.3 miles away, in an attempt to dislodge Mullins.

After he stopped, Richardson twice tried to pull Mullins out, before returning to the car and driving sharply and deliberately from side to side before mounting a grass verge, the court heard. Mullins was finally released but was then driven over again as Richardson reversed and drove away.

We have a nice stationary exercise bicycle in our house. I think maybe that would be a better alternative.

Richardson has been found guilty of murder.