Shoplifter killed Asda security guard in struggle while trying to flee with alcohol

A shoplifter who killed a supermarket security guard while trying to flee with alcohol has been jailed for more than five years.

Alun Harris-Richards, 61, had undiagnosed heart disease and suffered a heart attack after Natasha Smith repeatedly tried to pull a bag from him.

The 61-year-old fell to the ground, struck his head and died during the struggle at the Asda store in Arbroath, Angus, on June 30, 2024.

Smith, 38, previously admitted to killing Mr Harris-Richards, who suffered physical and emotional stress, which caused the heart attack.

Mr Harris-Richards was given first aid, CPR and emergency treatment by staff, customers and paramedics at the store, but died at the scene.

Smith also admitted to struggling with another shop worker and assaulting her.

Lady Haldane sentenced Smith to five years and four months for killing Mr Harris-Richards, and to 11 months for the assault at the High Court in Edinburgh.

She told Smith: ‘You set in train a series of events that ultimately had devastating consequences for Alun Harris-Richards, his family and all who knew and loved him.

‘Mr Harris-Richards lost his life that day when he was simply doing his job at a supermarket. It is accepted you did not intend this outcome; nevertheless, it is accepted that you have to bear responsibility for it.’

Victim impact statements from those close to Mr Harris-Richards showed that he was a ‘much-loved member of the family’ whose loss impacted his loved ones ‘profoundly’, the court heard.

Lady Haldane added: ‘It is fair to say that Mr Harris-Richards suffered from health issues that did make him more susceptible to a stressful event such as this, but that does not take away from the fact that he would not have lost his life in the way that he did without your actions.’

The court heard that Smith, who appeared via videolink from prison, has a number of previous convictions for drug offences.

Kris Gilmartin, representing Smith, said she feels ‘deep remorse’ for her actions, telling the court: ‘She accepts that her actions have left the friends and family of Mr Harris-Richards with a hole that cannot be filled and she is filled with regret.’

Mr Gilmartin said that Smith was addicted to alcohol at the time of the incident and had gone to the store in desperation.

‘She was seen hiding alcohol in her bag. She was desperate to keep hold of her bag and its contents. She did not place her hands on Mr Harris-Richards, but accepts she tried to pull the bag away from him,’ he said.

‘She did not intend to cause him harm, but she has to live with the fact that her actions caused his death.’

Mr Gilmartin told the court that Smith endured significant trauma during her childhood and was exposed to drugs from an early age.

Moira Orr, who leads on homicide for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said: ‘This was an unprovoked attack on a man who was simply doing his job.

‘Natasha Smith’s actions resulted in tragic consequences and robbed a much-loved family man of his life. She will now serve a prison sentence for her crime.

‘Our thoughts lie with Mr Harris-Richards’ family and friends. We are sorry for their loss.’

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