Key Points
- Simon Richardson, who is 35 years old, has denied the murder of the Stretford Grammar School headmaster, Michael Mullins.
- Mr Mullins, 56, died as a result of getting hit while he was cycling on Paddock Lane in Dunham Massey, which is near Altrincham, on 20 April 2026.
- The accused has admitted manslaughter and dangerous driving charges as well, according to the Manchester Evening News article.
- Richardson appeared via video link at the Minshull Street Crown Court on 10 September.
- Judge Maurice Greene set the trial for 13 October, with the pre-trial review taking place on 2 October.
- The accused will be held in custody.
- Mr Mullins had been the head of Stretford Grammar School for 17 years.
- The previous reports stated that Richardson was facing extra charges of failure to stop and uninsured driving as well.
- Mr Mullins’ family and the Stretford Grammar School community had praised him for his role in education and grassroots football.
Stretford (Manchester Mirror) September 10, 2026 — Stretford Grammar School headteacher murder trial proceedings on 10 September 2026 saw Simon Richardson deny murdering Michael Mullins, while the court confirmed that the case will proceed to trial next month.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Richardson, 35, appeared before Minshull Street Crown Court by video link and pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Mullins. The defendant does not have a permanent residence and had previously lived in the Sale area, according to the report.
Richardson also entered guilty pleas to charges of manslaughter and dangerous driving. The court heard that the dangerous-driving allegation relates to the operation of a Ford Transit van on several roads, including Williams Street in Oldham, Wellington Peace Street, Wickent Head and Cooperation Street, as stated in the Manchester Evening News account of the hearing. Some of the road names in the published court report appear to contain transcription or spelling errors.
Judge Maurice Greene told Richardson that the trial would begin on 13 October. A pre-trial review has been listed for 2 October, when the court is expected to consider outstanding case-management matters before the main hearing.
The judge also confirmed that Richardson would remain in custody. The prosecution was represented by Phil Barnes KC, while Jaime Hamilton KC represented the defence during the case-management hearing.
The court proceedings relate to the death of Michael Mullins, who was headteacher of Stretford Grammar School for 17 years. The 56-year-old was cycling when he was involved in a collision with a vehicle on 20 April.
Who was Michael Mullins?
Michael Mullins was the headteacher of Stretford Grammar School, where he served for 17 years. His death has affected pupils, staff, parents and community organisations connected with the school.
The school’s own tribute described Mr Mullins as a leader who was known for his principles, kindness and support for students and colleagues. The tribute said he had helped shape the school community and worked to ensure that pupils felt they belonged and were able to reach their potential.
The school also highlighted his connection with grassroots football. Mr Mullins was a Liverpool supporter and had a long association with Longford Park Junior Football Club. According to the school’s tribute, the relationship lasted about 10 years and reflected his belief that sport could teach children teamwork, resilience and a sense of community.
The tribute said Mr Mullins worked to remove barriers so that children could access safe and positive sporting opportunities. It also referred to memorial projects being developed by the school, including an Art Department initiative intended to preserve floral tributes left in his memory.
He was remembered not only as a headteacher but also as a husband, father and grandfather. The school said he was affectionately known as “Diddy” by one of his grandchildren and that his influence would continue through the school and local sports community.
Where did the fatal collision happen?
The fatal collision happened on Paddock Lane in Dunham Massey, near Altrincham, at approximately 6.10pm on 20 April, according to the court report published by the Manchester Evening News.
Emergency services were called after reports of a collision involving a vehicle and a cyclist. Mr Mullins suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.
Earlier BBC reporting said Mr Mullins had been cycling home from Stretford Grammar School when he was struck. It identified him as a 56-year-old who had led the school for 17 years.
The BBC previously reported that police had arrested four people in connection with the incident. Two men and a woman were later released on bail while investigations continued, according to that report.
At the earlier stage of the investigation, Greater Manchester Police appealed for information and possible dashcam footage from people who may have been travelling near the area at the time. The appeal was intended to help detectives establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.
What charges does Simon Richardson face?
Richardson is accused of murder and has denied that charge. The proceedings remain active, and the allegation has not been proved in court.
The Manchester Evening News reported that Richardson pleaded guilty to manslaughter and dangerous driving during the 10 September hearing. The report also connected the dangerous-driving allegation with the use of a Ford Transit van on a number of roads.
Earlier BBC coverage stated that Richardson had been charged with murder, manslaughter, dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving without insurance.
A separate report by the Manchester Evening News in June said Richardson had appeared by video link in connection with charges including murder, manslaughter, dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving without insurance.
The charges are separate legal allegations and will be dealt with according to the evidence presented in court. A guilty plea to one charge does not by itself establish the facts of the murder allegation, which Richardson continues to contest.
The court will therefore need to consider the evidence relating to the prosecution’s murder case. The October trial is expected to examine the events leading to the collision, the vehicle’s movements, the defendant’s driving and what happened after the incident.
When will the trial take place?
The trial is scheduled to begin on 13 October 2026. The date was confirmed by Judge Maurice Greene during the hearing at Minshull Street Crown Court.
A pre-trial review will take place on 2 October. Such hearings are used to address practical and procedural issues before a trial begins. These can include the readiness of the prosecution and defence, the availability of witnesses, the presentation of evidence and other case-management matters.
Richardson is expected to remain in custody until the next stage of the proceedings unless the court makes a different order.
The October hearing will determine how the murder allegation is dealt with at trial. The prosecution will have to present its case, and the defence will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence and put forward its position.
No conclusion can be drawn about the final outcome before the trial has taken place. Richardson remains entitled to a fair hearing, and the murder charge remains an allegation unless and until it is proved in court.
How has the school community responded?
Stretford Grammar School has described Mr Mullins as an important figure whose influence extended beyond his formal role as headteacher.
The school’s tribute said he was a compassionate leader and a source of support for pupils and staff. It also said his approach to education was based on strong principles and a determination to help every student feel included.
His work with Longford Park Junior Football Club was also emphasised. The school said he regarded football and other sporting activities as a way to help young people develop confidence, teamwork and resilience.
The club’s connection with Mr Mullins formed part of his wider role in the local community. His involvement demonstrated how school leaders can contribute to children’s lives outside the classroom, particularly through youth sport and community projects.
The school said his legacy would continue through the pupils and footballers who benefited from his work. It also referred to plans for memorial activity that would allow members of the school community to remember him and recognise his contribution.
What is known about the earlier investigation?
Following the collision, police investigated the circumstances in which Mr Mullins was killed while cycling near Altrincham.
The BBC reported that Richardson had been charged after the death and that other people who had been arrested were released on bail while enquiries continued. The Manchester Evening News later reported that detectives appealed for witnesses and footage from the area.
The investigation included allegations connected with the vehicle, the manner of driving and what happened after the collision. Earlier reports stated that the charges included failing to stop and driving without insurance.
The later court hearing has moved the case from the investigation and preliminary court stages towards a full trial. The prosecution’s evidence, the defence response and the legal issues surrounding the murder allegation will be examined in October.
Background to the development
Michael Mullins died on 20 April 2026 after a collision while cycling on Paddock Lane in Dunham Massey, near Altrincham. He was 56 and had been headteacher of Stretford Grammar School for 17 years.
Police subsequently investigated the collision, and Simon Richardson was charged with murder and related offences. Initial reports identified further allegations involving manslaughter, dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving without insurance.
The case has progressed through several court hearings. Richardson appeared before Minshull Street Crown Court by video link in June, and a provisional trial date was later reported. The 10 September hearing confirmed that the murder allegation would proceed to trial on 13 October, with a pre-trial review on 2 October.
The school and its wider community have continued to remember Mr Mullins through tributes that focus on his leadership, his family life, his support for football and his commitment to young people.
How could this affect the local community?
The development is likely to renew public attention on the fatal collision, the court process and the impact of Mr Mullins’ death on Stretford Grammar School and the surrounding community.
For pupils, families and staff, the October trial may bring further details about the circumstances of the incident. It may also create a difficult period for people who knew Mr Mullins, particularly those connected with the school and the grassroots football organisations where he was involved.
The school community may continue memorial activities and use them to preserve Mr Mullins’ contribution to education and youth sport. The court proceedings, however, will focus on the criminal allegations and the evidence presented by both sides.
For local residents and road users, the case may also renew interest in cycling safety, dangerous driving and the importance of witnesses providing information to investigators. Any further developments will depend on the evidence heard in court and decisions made by the judge and jury.
Richardson remains legally presumed innocent of the murder charge unless the prosecution proves its case. The next scheduled development is the pre-trial review on 2 October, followed by the trial listed for 13 October 2026.
