A man attempting to evade capture after stealing merchandise from a store has been sentenced to six years in prison following the tragic death of a visiting pensioner.
Joseph Smith, 37, was being pursued for theft of socks valued at £66 from a Sports Direct location when he tragically collided with 68-year-old Christine Vasey as she walked through Sunderland city center. Smith had triggered security alarms while attempting to leave the store and staff were in immediate pursuit.
The incident occurred around 11:30 am on October 26th of last year, amidst a busy shopping area anticipating the afternoon’s Sunderland football match against Oxford United. Witnesses described Smith as moving rapidly around a corner onto Back Bridge Street when he forcefully pushed Vasey, resulting in her falling and striking her head on the pavement. The impact was reportedly heard with a “horrific” sound.
Vasey, who had been visiting the city alongside her husband, Sidney, suffered severe injuries and succumbed to her wounds six days later, on November 1st.
“Staff immediately gave chase,” stated reports from the Newcastle Crown Court proceedings. One employee bravely paused to assist Vasey while another continued pursuing Smith, ultimately leading him to the Stadium of Light metro station. During this pursuit, Smith attempted to assault the Sports Direct worker before being apprehended shortly thereafter, still in possession of the stolen socks.
Christine Vasey was remembered by her family as a “vibrant and intelligent professional woman” with decades of experience at Riverside Motor Group.
“She was irreplaceable,” remarked Mark Denton, managing director of her company. “I struggle to come to terms with the fact she’s no longer with us.”
The tragedy has deeply impacted Vasey’s husband, Sidney, who now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He experiences frequent flashbacks and finds it impossible to return to their shared home or enjoy activities like watching football due to the painful memories.
Smith, of Halstead Square in Sunderland, possesses a lengthy criminal history including 15 previous convictions for offenses such as theft, robbery, possessing a knife, and assaulting a police officer by throwing an object. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter, theft, common assault, and possession of cannabis.
Judge Paul Sloan KC condemned Smith’s actions as “brazen,” emphasizing the “very real risk” his behavior posed to others. He further stated that Smith’s actions had effectively “obliterated” the Vaseys’ carefully laid plans for a fulfilling retirement.
A family spokesman expressed cautious relief following the sentencing, stating: “We’ll now take solace at the custodial sentence served today and we hope the offender takes time to reflect upon the horror that his reckless actions brought on us.”
Defense counsel, Sophie Allison-Howells, highlighted Smith’s history of treatment for paranoid schizophrenia. She noted his inability to express remorse and emphasized his vulnerability due to non-compliance with medication, compounded by substance abuse involving cannabis and amphetamine. He is reported to be experiencing paranoid schizophrenia.
