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In June 2024, a tragic incident occurred at an Asda superstore in Arbroath, where a security guard lost his life during an attempt to stop a shoplifter. Alun Harris-Richards, the 61-year-old guard, suffered a fatal heart attack after a physical struggle with Natasha Smith, who was trying to flee the store with stolen alcohol. The confrontation was captured on Harris-Richards’ body-worn camera.
Natasha Smith, aged 38, admitted in court to causing both physical and emotional distress to Harris-Richards during the altercation, which contributed to his death. The court learned that Harris-Richards had pre-existing heart disease, which played a role in the fatal outcome. In addition to the fatal incident, Smith also pleaded guilty to assaulting another Asda employee during the same event.
During the confrontation, Smith was reported to have shouted and swore, repeatedly trying to pull the bag of stolen alcohol from Harris-Richards’ hold. The severity of the struggle ultimately led to Harris-Richards collapsing and hitting his head. Despite emergency intervention, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Natasha Smith is scheduled to be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on 5 March. Police were called to the store following the incident, securing the area as part of the investigation. The case highlights the dangers faced by retail security staff during theft-related confrontations
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