Home / Crime and Justice / Shoplifter's Stress Attack Kills Asda Guard
Shoplifter's Stress Attack Kills Asda Guard
30 Jan
Summary
- Security guard suffered fatal heart attack during shoplifting incident.
- Shoplifter admitted culpable homicide after a confrontation.
- Court heard the guard had undiagnosed heart disease.
Natasha Smith, 38, admitted to culpable homicide on January 28, 2026, after a security guard at an Asda store in Arbroath, Angus, died during a shoplifting attempt. Alun Harris-Richards, a 61-year-old ex-Royal Marine, suffered a fatal heart attack on June 30, 2024, while trying to prevent Smith from leaving with stolen alcohol.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard that during the altercation, Smith's aggressive behavior and false accusations of assault caused Mr. Harris-Richards, who had undiagnosed heart disease, significant physical and emotional stress. This stress led to a heart attack, causing him to fall and strike his head, resulting in his death.
Bodycam footage showed Smith shouting and swearing at Mr. Harris-Richards. She also assaulted two female employees, including one whom she threatened, punched, and pulled the hair of. Smith had intended to sell the stolen alcohol to a pub. She has a criminal record for shoplifting and other offenses but had not previously served jail time. Sentencing has been adjourned, and Smith remains remanded in custody.
