A shoplifter whose struggle with an Asda store security guard caused him to suffer a fatal heart attack has been jailed for five years and four months. Alun Harris-Richards, who had an undiagnosed heart disease, tried to stop Natasha Smith from leaving the Arbroath store amid suspicion she had stolen alcohol in June 2024.
But during the altercation, Mr Harris-Richards, 61, fell to the ground, struck his head and died instantly. Smith was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh after she pled guilty to a charge of culpable homicide as well as a charge involving the assault of
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. She will now serve a prison sentence for her crime.
“This conviction serves as a warning to others that we take crimes of this nature extremely seriously and will use all the tools available to us to seek justice. Our thoughts lie with Mr Harris-Richards’ family and friends. We are sorry for their loss.”
Prosecutors said the incident happened after Smith was suspected of stealing alcohol from the store at Westbury Retail Park. As she was apprehended, she began to struggle with Mr Harris-Richards and another member of staff.
The court heard how Smith pulled at the bag containing the alcohol
He received first aid, CPR and emergency treatment from staff, customers and
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