A man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Stretford Grammar School headteacher Michael Mullins, who died after being struck by a car while cycling home from work.
Simon Richardson appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court via video link from HMP Forest Bank today.
Richardson pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, manslaughter and dangerous driving in connection with the death of the 56-year-old headteacher.
His trial has now been listed to begin at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on October 13. He will remain in custody on remand until then.
Mr Mullins died after being struck by a car while cycling home from Stretford Grammar School on April 20.
He was riding along Paddock Lane in Altrincham, at the junction with Warburton Lane and Dunham Road, when he was hit at around 6.10pm.
The car failed to stop at the scene and Mr Mullins was treated by emergency services but died from his injuries.
Four people – three men and a woman – were subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Richardson was later charged with murder, manslaughter, dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving without insurance.
Mr Mullins, from Weaverham in Northwich, had worked at Stretford Grammar School for 17 years and was previously deputy headteacher at Sale Grammar School.
Following his death, Stretford Grammar deputy headteacher Liz Baxter described the news as “sad and devastating” and paid tribute to Mr Mullins as a “dear friend and colleague”.
She said the school community would “pull together to continue his legacy” in recognition of his years of dedication to the school.
Mr Mullins’ family also paid an emotional tribute, describing him as a loving dad, husband, brother-in-law, “Diddy”, uncle and son-in-law.
They said: “He was devoted to his family, and our lives will never be the same. A gap has been left in our hearts and within his role as a headteacher of Stretford Grammar School.
“Our Dad gave us fantastic memories growing up including a trip getting lost at night around Washington DC, but it was in his role as a Grandad where he truly excelled.
“Our love and memories of Michael will know no limits. We will love him forever, to Saturn and beyond.”
Richardson’s trial is due to begin on October 13.
