PERTH, Australia (BN24) — A 25-year-old British backpacker faces up to 20 years in prison in Australia after pleading guilty to killing a father of two in a drunk e-scooter crash that has fueled public demands for stricter e-scooter laws.
Alicia Kemp, from Redditch in Worcestershire, admitted to dangerous driving causing death while under the influence of alcohol during a court appearance via video link at Perth Magistrates’ Court. Kemp struck 51-year-old Thanh Phan from behind while riding an e-scooter on a footpath in Perth in June. She had been drinking for six hours prior to the crash and was found to be more than three times over the legal alcohol limit.
Phan sustained fatal head injuries after the collision, which occurred as he stood at a pedestrian crossing. He died days later in hospital from a brain bleed. The crash, captured on CCTV, showed other pedestrians stepping aside to avoid Kemp, who was riding at speeds of up to 25 kilometers per hour.
Kemp had hired the scooter shortly before 8:30 p.m. after a day of drinking and was carrying a 26-year-old passenger, who also suffered serious injuries, including a fractured skull and broken nose. A charge related to the injuries of the passenger was dropped.
At the time, Kemp was visiting Australia on a four-month tourist visa and working at a local pub. Her bail application was refused over concerns she might flee the country before sentencing. Her lawyer described her as “nervous and worried,” saying she recognized the gravity of her actions but wanted to move on with her life.
Phan’s death has had broader consequences, prompting Perth and several local councils to permanently suspend rental e-scooter services amid mounting pressure for reform. Under Western Australian law, e-scooter riders must be over 16, wear helmets, ride sober, and not carry passengers.
The victim’s family, mourning the loss of a devoted husband and father, has joined growing calls for stronger enforcement and regulation surrounding e-scooter use in public areas.
Kemp is scheduled to be sentenced at Perth District Court on October 31.
