A shoplifter who killed a security guard during a struggle at an Asda superstore as she tried to flee with stolen alcohol has been jailed for five years and four months.
Former Royal Marine Alun Harris-Richards, 61, suffered a fatal heart attack while trying to prevent Natasha Smith, 38, from leaving the premises and fell to the ground, where he struck his head.
At the High Court in Edinburgh in January, Smith pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and assaulting another Asda employee during the same altercation.
She was sentenced on Thursday.
Lady Haldane said on the day in question, Smith “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”.
The judge added: “Mr Harris-Richards lost his life that day when he was simply doing his job as a security guard in a supermarket.”
Following Mr Harris-Richards’ death, a post-mortem examination found he had a coronary artery condition.
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Pathologists reported that people with the condition are “at risk of sudden death at any time” and this is particularly true in times of illness or stress.
The incident occurred at the supermarket in Arbroath’s Westway Retail Park, Angus, on 30 June 2024.
The court heard that during the confrontation, which was recorded on Mr Harris-Richards’ body-worn camera, Smith shouted, swore, falsely accused her victim of assaulting her, and repeatedly attempted to pull a bag containing the alcohol from his grasp.
In footage shown to the court, Smith screamed “you’re not allowed to touch me”, “get your f****** hands off me” and “who do you think you are, f****** Hulk?”
Repeat offender Smith said she planned to sell the alcohol to a pub.
After Mr Harris-Richards fell to the ground, Smith continued to struggle with two female employees and grabbed one of them, put her hands around her neck and threatened: “I will end you.”
The woman was also punched in the face and had her hair pulled during the assault.
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Advocate depute Adrian Stalker previously told the court 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.
Smith went to the self-service checkout area carrying a can of alcohol and bags, but then went towards the exit, triggering alarms.
Mr 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, Mr 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.”
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Lady Haldane said she had received moving victim impact statements from members of Mr Harris-Richards’ family.
She added: “It is clear Mr Harris-Richards was a much-loved member of the family who was deeply involved with his children and grandchildren.”
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A background report prepared on Smith showed that she had suffered trauma in her own life and significant adverse experiences in childhood.
Defence solicitor advocate Kris Gilmartin said his client 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 to keep a hold of the bag and its contents.
Mr Gilmartin said she did not intend to cause Mr Harris-Richards 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.
Moira Orr, who leads on homicide for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), 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.
“Our thoughts lie with Mr Harris-Richards’ family and friends. We are sorry for their loss.”
