Shoplifter jailed for killing Asda security guard during struggle

A shoplifter who killed a security guard during a struggle at an Asda superstore as she tried to flee the premises has been jailed for five years and four months.

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

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

Judge Lady Haldane told Smith she had "set in train a series of events that ultimately had devastating consequences."

The judge said: "Mr Harris-Richards lost his life that day when he was simply doing his job as a security guard in a supermarket."

Smith also admitted assaulting another Asda employee during the same altercation, which was captured on Harris-Richards' bodycam.

Lady Haldane said she had received moving victim impact statements from members of the deceased's family and added: "It is clear Mr Harris-Richards was a much loved member of the family who was deeply involved with his children and grandchildren."

Footage from a bodycam worn by Harris-Richards was shown to the judge as Smith shouted and screamed: "You're not allowed to touch me" and "get your (expletive) 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.

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."

The court heard that following his death pathologists carried out a post mortem and found he had a coronary artery condition.

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

Defence solicitor advocate Kris Gilmartin said Smith felt "deep remorse" for her actions that led to the death.

He said that at the time of the killing she was "in the throes of drug and alcohol abuse" and footage of the events showed her desperation.

He said she did not lay hands on the security guard but was desperate to keep a hold of the bag and its contents.

"She accepts she tried repeatedly to pull the bag away from him," he added.

The lawyer said she did not intend to cause him harm but has to live with the fact that her actions brought about his death.

He said she was haunted by nightmares of the incident.

Gilmartin added that after Smith was remanded in custody following the death of Harris-Richards, her attitude was that she "deserved to be in prison."