A violent shoplifter has admitted killing an Asda security guard during a confrontation sparked by her attempt to steal alcohol from a Scottish supermarket. Natasha Smith's aggressive and threatening behaviour towards former Royal Marine Alun Harris-Richards caused the 61-year-old to suffer a fatal heart attack on June 30, 2024.
Confrontation Turns Fatal
As Mr Harris-Richards attempted to prevent her from leaving the Asda store in Arbroath, Angus, Smith falsely accused the security guard of assaulting her. The 38-year-old shouted and swore at Mr Harris-Richards while repeatedly trying to pull a bag containing stolen alcohol from his grasp.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 28 January, Smith pleaded guilty to killing the security guard at the Westway Retail Park store. The charge stated that during the altercation, Mr Harris-Richards, who had an undiagnosed heart condition, suffered such physical and emotional stress that he sustained a heart attack, fell to the ground, struck his head and died.
Bodycam Footage Reveals Aggression
Footage from a bodycam worn by Mr Harris-Richards was shown to the court, revealing the extent of Smith's aggression. The recording showed Smith shouting and screaming at the security guard, claiming: 'You're not allowed to touch me' and 'Get your f***ing hands off me.'
Smith also told the victim: 'Who do you think you are f***ing Hulk?' as the irate thief continued to pull at the bag containing bottles of alcohol. She later told the court that she had planned to sell the stolen alcohol to a pub.
Violence Continues After Collapse
Even after Mr Harris-Richards collapsed to the floor, Smith continued to struggle with two female employees. She grabbed one of them, Chloe Robinson, put her hands around her neck and threatened: 'I will end you.'
The staff managed to grab the bag from Smith, who walked back towards the fallen victim before being pushed into the foyer by employees. This triggered an alarm as staff suspected she had more stolen goods in her handbag.
Following a further struggle between Smith and the employees, her handbag fell to the floor. Smith continued to shout 'I will end you' towards Ms Robinson, punched her in the face and pulled her hair before finally leaving the premises. She was later detained by police.
Criminal History Revealed
The court heard that Smith, a benefit claimant whose only child is in foster care, has amassed a significant criminal record for repeated shoplifting, theft, drugs offences and assault in both Scotland and England. Despite this extensive history, she has never previously served a jail sentence.
Smith also admitted assaulting and behaving in a threatening and abusive way towards Ms Robinson in an offence under protection of workers legislation.
Prosecution Details Events
Advocate depute Adrian Stalker explained that shortly before Mr Harris-Richards died, Smith was seen in the spirits aisle at the supermarket, where a staff member became suspicious she might be shoplifting. 'Other members of staff were alerted, including the deceased Alun Harris-Richards,' the prosecutor stated.
Smith went to a self-service checkout area carrying a can of alcohol and bags, but then moved towards the exit, triggering alarms. Mr Harris-Richards and another staff member intercepted her and took hold of a reusable bag containing two bottles, but Smith refused to release it.
During the confrontation, Mr Harris-Richards' breathing became laboured and he collapsed 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.'
Legal Proceedings
Smith was originally accused of assaulting Mr Harris-Richards and repeatedly pushing him on the body, but the Crown amended the charge, removing the assault allegation, before she pleaded guilty to culpable homicide.
A judge told Smith, formerly of North Grimsby, Arbroath, that the only possible punishment for her offending was 'a significant custodial sentence.' The hearing was adjourned for sentencing at a later date and Smith was remanded in prison.
