Natasha Smith, 38, was prevented from leaving the Asda superstore in Arbroath by 61-year-old Alun Harris-Richards and another shop worker amid suspicions she had stolen alcohol.
But during the altercation, Mr Harris-Richards, who had undiagnosed heart disease, 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 another Asda employee on June 30, 2024.
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 which was being held by Mr Harris-Richards and made threatening and abusive remarks to him.
At that point, Mr Harris-Richards’ breathing became laboured and he fell to the floor.
He received first aid, CPR and emergency treatment from staff, customers and paramedics.
Meanwhile, another member of staff continued to struggle with Smith, who subjected her to a violent attack.
Mr Harris-Richards died at the scene and a post-mortem later revealed he had suffered a heart attack.