A thief beats an employee to escape

Christine Smith, 69, an employee at Kmart in Campbelltown, Sydney, was severely punched in the face by a 26-year-old mother while checking customers' receipts. Following the attack, which left Ms. Smith with serious injuries requiring several months of rehabilitation, the New South Wales government introduced stricter laws to protect store employees. From now on, anyone convicted of assaulting a store employee faces up to 11 years in prison. This measure is intended to deter future attacks, particularly over the Christmas period.