Shocking bodycam footage has captured the moment a shoplifter assaulted an Asda security guard who later died of a heart attack. Natasha Smith, 38, launched a frenzied attack on former Royal Marine Alun Harris-Richards, 61, as he tried to prevent her from leaving the store with stolen alcohol on June 30, 2024.
During the confrontation at the Asda store in Arbroath, Angus, Smith pushed and shoved Mr Harris-Richards, shouting abuse. The court heard that after he collapsed and fell to the floor, Smith continued to struggle with other employees and punched a female worker in the face before police arrived.
Mr Harris-Richards, who had undiagnosed heart disease, suffered a heart attack due to physical and emotional stress, hit his head, and died. Despite efforts by colleagues to perform CPR, he passed away at the scene.
Smith, who has a criminal record for shoplifting and assault, pleaded guilty to culpable homicide at the High Court in Edinburgh and was sentenced to five years and four months on Thursday. The Crown amended the charge to remove an assault allegation before her plea.
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.'
