Natasha Smith has been jailed for five years and four months after killing an ex-Royal Marine security guard during a shoplifting incident at an Asda store in Arbroath, Scotland. Alun Harris-Richards, 61, suffered a fatal heart attack while trying to prevent Smith from leaving with stolen alcohol on June 30, 2024.
Key Takeaways
Natasha Smith has been jailed for five years after killing an ex-Royal Marine security guard during a shoplifting incident at an Asda store.
- Natasha Smith sentenced to five years and four months for culpable homicide
- Alun Harris-Richards died from a heart attack during struggle over stolen alcohol
- Incident captured on bodycam shows Smith shouting and struggling with the security guard
- Judge notes Harris-Richards had undiagnosed coronary artery condition
- Smith pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and assaulting another employee
The incident was captured on Harris-Richards' bodycam, showing him grappling with Smith over a bag containing the stolen items. During the struggle, Smith shouted and swore at Harris-Richards, saying 'You're not allowed to touch me. Get your f***ing hands off me' and 'Who do you think you are, f***ing Hulk?'
Harris-Richards fell to the ground and struck his head during the confrontation. Despite receiving CPR from paramedics and store staff, he died at the scene. A post-mortem examination revealed that Harris-Richards had an undiagnosed coronary artery condition, which made him more susceptible to stress-induced heart attacks.
At the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Lady Haldane sentenced Smith after she pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and assaulting another Asda employee. The judge noted that Harris-Richards was simply doing his job when he lost his life. She also mentioned moving victim impact statements from Harris-Richards' family, describing him as a much-loved member of the family deeply involved with his children and grandchildren.
Defense solicitor Kris Gilmartin stated that Smith felt 'deep remorse' for her actions. He explained that at the time of the incident, she was in the throes of drug and alcohol abuse and was desperate to keep hold of the bag containing stolen alcohol. While Smith did not intend to cause harm, Gilmartin acknowledged that her actions led to Harris-Richards' death.
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