Shoplifter killed Asda security guard during struggle

A shoplifter has admitted killing a security guard during a struggle at an Asda superstore as she tried to flee the premises.

Alun Harris-Richards fell to the ground and struck his head after trying to prevent Natasha Smith from leaving the Arbroath store with stolen alcohol in June 2024.

Smith, 38, admitted causing the 61-year-old such physical and emotional distress during the incident that he suffered a fatal heart attack.

Smith will be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on 5 March.

Smith also admitted assaulting another Asda employee during the same altercation.

The court heard that following the death of Harris-Richards, pathologists carried out a post-mortem examination and found that he had a coronary artery condition.

They said people with the condition were "at risk of sudden death at any time" and this was particularly true in times of illness or stress.

The court heard that during the confrontation, which was recorded on Harris-Richards' body-worn camera, Smith shouted, swore and repeatedly attempted to pull a bag containing the alcohol from his grasp.

In footage shown to the court, Smith shouted, swore and screamed: "You're not allowed to touch me" and "get your hands off me".

Smith could be heard swearing at the victim and saying "who do you think you are Hulk?" as she continued to pull at the bag containing bottles of alcohol which she said she planned to sell to a pub.

After Harris-Richards had fallen to the floor Smith continued to struggle with two female employees at the store and grabbed one of them, put her hands around her neck and told her: "I will end you".

Advocate depute Adrian Stalker said that shortly before the struggle, Smith was seen in the spirits aisle at the supermarket and a staff member became suspicious that she might be shoplifting.

The prosecutor said: "Other members of staff were alerted, including the deceased Alun Harris-Richards."

Smith went to a self-service checkout area carrying a can of alcohol and bags, but then went towards the exit, triggering alarms.

Harris-Richards and another staff member intercepted her and took hold of a reusable bag she was carrying containing two bottles, but Smith would not let it go.

During the confrontation, Harris-Richards' breathing became laboured and he fell to the floor.

Mr Stalker said: "He was immediately unresponsive.

"The deceased received first aid, CPR and emergency medical treatment from staff, customers and paramedics where he had fallen, these efforts were to no avail."

A judge told Smith, formerly of North Grimsby, Arbroath, that the only possible disposal for her offending was "a significant custodial sentence".

Lord Haldane adjourned sentence on her for the preparation of a background report and told her she would continue to be remanded in prison.