A CYCLIST was 'physiologically alive' after being trapped beneath a car following a collision, a court has heard.
Simon Richardson returned to the dock today, Monday, to resume his trial.
The 35-year-old is accused of the murder of a much-loved head teacher from Weaverham, Michael Mullins.
Today, the court heard evidence from consultant in emergency medicine, Dr Terrance McLoughlin.
He told the court that Mr Mullins, 56, remained physiologically alive while underneath the vehicle and after he was deposited on Wet Gate Lane.
Dr McLoughlin said Mr Mullins suffered multiple traumatic injuries and later went into cardiac arrest, but could not say whether he had been conscious while trapped beneath the car.
The court heard that Mr Mullins was cycling before the collision. His Apple Watch recorded a heart rate of 155 beats per minute at 6.07pm, which Dr McLoughlin said was consistent with cycling.
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After the collision, the watch recorded a rate of about 150 beats per minute. By 6.09pm, when the vehicle was recorded on Wet Gate Lane, it recorded 148 beats per minute.
Dr McLoughlin said this showed a person who was alive and under stress. If Mr Mullins had not been alive, the watch would have recorded a heart rate of zero, he said.
At around 6.14pm, Mr Mullins was found on a verge on Wet Gate Lane by motorcyclist Andrew Besant-Roberts who made a 999 call.
Mr Mullins was believed to be agonal breathing, which refers to abnormal breaths sometimes seen close to death.
He said the injuries were consistent with Mr Mullins being dragged beneath a car. The resulting blood loss would have sent his body into shock and could have caused cardiac arrest.
Defence barrister Jaime Hamilton questioned the limits of the Apple Watch data. Dr McLoughlin agreed the readings were 'more of a trend' and should not be relied on alone.
The watch recorded a heart rate of about 54 beats per minute at about 6.50pm, although Mr Mullins was pronounced dead at that time. Dr McLoughlin said the reading could have been caused by the watch being moved.
There were 202 further readings after 6.50pm. Dr McLoughlin agreed these could not have been Mr Mullins’ heart rate as Medical staff at the scene were satisfied that he had no pulse.
Dr Chaz Dixon, an expert in radio systems and position navigation, then gave evidence about phone and watch location data.
He said Gabrielle Debotte’s phone travelled west through Altrincham and towards Dunham Massey. At 6.10pm, it was stationary near Mill Lane and Wet Gate Lane for at least one minute and 37 seconds.
The court heard data from Ms Debotte’s phone and Mr Mullins’ Apple Watch showed both devices travelling together from Paddock Lane to Wet Gate Lane.
Richardson denies murder, manslaughter and dangerous driving. The trial continues.
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