Shoplifting Incident Leads to Fatal Struggle at Asda
A shoplifter who caused the death of a security guard during a struggle at an Asda superstore while attempting to flee with stolen goods has been sentenced to five years and four months in prison.
In June 2024, Alun Harris-Richards, aged 61, fell to the ground and struck his head after intervening to stop Natasha Smith from leaving the Arbroath store with stolen alcohol.
Smith, 38, had previously admitted to causing Harris-Richards such physical and emotional distress during the incident that it resulted in 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 further stated,
"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 to assaulting another Asda employee during the same altercation, which was recorded on Harris-Richards' bodycam.
Lady Haldane noted she had received moving victim impact statements from 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."
Bodycam Footage Reveals Confrontation Details
Footage from the bodycam worn by Harris-Richards was presented in court, capturing Smith shouting and screaming phrases such as
"You're not allowed to touch me"and
"get your (expletive) hands off me."
During the struggle, Smith could be heard swearing at Harris-Richards and saying,
"who do you think you are Hulk?"as she continued to pull at a bag containing bottles of alcohol, which she stated she intended to sell to a pub.
After Harris-Richards fell to the floor, Smith engaged in a struggle with two female employees at the store, during which she grabbed one of them, placed her hands around her neck, and threatened,
"I will end you."
Sequence of Events Leading to the Incident
Advocate depute Adrian Stalker explained that shortly before the struggle, Smith was observed in the spirits aisle of the supermarket, prompting suspicion from a staff member that she might be shoplifting.
The prosecutor stated: "Other members of staff were alerted, including the deceased Alun Harris-Richards."
Smith proceeded to a self-service checkout area carrying a can of alcohol and bags but then headed towards the exit, triggering alarms.
Harris-Richards and another staff member intercepted her and took hold of a reusable bag she was carrying that contained two bottles, but Smith refused to release it.
During the confrontation, Harris-Richards experienced labored breathing and subsequently fell to the floor.
Stalker said: "He was immediately unresponsive."
Emergency medical assistance, including first aid and CPR, was administered by staff, customers, and paramedics at the scene, but these efforts were unsuccessful.
The court heard that a post mortem examination revealed Harris-Richards had a coronary artery condition, which placed him at risk of sudden death, especially during periods of illness or stress.
Defence and Sentencing
Defence solicitor advocate Kris Gilmartin stated that Smith expressed "deep remorse" for her role in the death.
He explained that at the time of the incident, Smith was struggling with drug and alcohol abuse, and the footage demonstrated her desperation.
Gilmartin clarified that Smith did not physically assault Harris-Richards but was determined to retain possession of the bag and its contents.
He said, "She accepts she tried repeatedly to pull the bag away from him."
The lawyer emphasized that Smith did not intend to cause harm but must live with the consequences of her actions leading to Harris-Richards' death.
He added that Smith has been haunted by nightmares related to the incident.
Following her remand in custody after Harris-Richards' death, Smith reportedly believed she "deserved to be in prison."
