A shoplifter has admitted killing a security guard during a struggle at an Asda superstore as she tried to flee with stolen alcohol.
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 on Thursday, Smith pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and assaulting another Asda employee during the same altercation.
She will be sentenced in March.
Following Mr Harris-Richards’ death, a post-mortem examination found he had a coronary artery condition.
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.
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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.
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 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.”
Judge Lady Haldane ordered a background report and warned Smith the only possible outcome would be a “a significant custodial sentence”.
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Detective Chief Inspector Craig Kelly said: “This was a shocking and tragic incident which resulted in the death of a man at his workplace.
“Aggressive behaviour of this nature is completely unacceptable and can have devastating consequences, as this case has shown.
“Our thoughts remain with Alun’s family, friends and colleagues and all those affected by his death.”
