Shoplifter killed Asda security guard during struggle

A shoplifter has admitted killing a security guard during a struggle at an Asda superstore as she tried to flee the premises.

Alun Harris-Richards fell to the ground and struck his head after trying to prevent Natasha Smith from leaving the Arbroath store with stolen alcohol in June 2024.

Smith, 38, admitted causing the 61-year-old such physical and emotional distress during the incident that he suffered a fatal heart attack.

Smith will be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on 5 March.

Smith also admitted assaulting another Asda employee during the same altercation.

A court was told that during the confrontation, which was recorded on Harris-Richards' body-worn camera, Smith shouted, swore and repeatedly attempted to pull a bag containing the alcohol from his grasp.

The court was told that Harris-Richards had existing heart disease.