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Thursday 09/04/2026

British Backpacker Pleads Guilty to Fatal E-Scooter Crash in Perth

British backpacker in Perth courtroom for e-scooter accident
Sofia RomanoSofia Romano

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Alicia Kemp, a British backpacker, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death while intoxicated in Perth, Australia.
  • Kemp collided with 51-year-old Thanh Phan on an e-scooter, resulting in his death from a brain bleed two days later.
  • The incident occurred on May 31, with Kemp's blood alcohol level recorded at 0.158, over three times the legal limit.
  • Prosecutors dropped a secondary charge of causing bodily harm to Kemp's passenger, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
  • Kemp remains in custody and is set to be sentenced on October 31, facing a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

A British backpacker, Alicia Kemp, has admitted to causing the death of a Perth father while riding an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol. The tragic incident unfolded on May 31, when Kemp, 25, collided with 51-year-old Thanh Phan in the heart of Perth, Western Australia. Phan, a structural engineer and father of two, succumbed to a brain bleed in the hospital two days after the accident.

Details of the Incident

Kemp, hailing from Redditch, Worcestershire, was reportedly riding the e-scooter at speeds between 20 to 25 km/h (12 to 15 mph) when she struck Phan from behind. At the time, her blood alcohol content was measured at 0.158, more than three times the legal limit in Australia. The court heard that Kemp and a friend had been drinking earlier that day before hiring the e-scooter.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

Appearing via video link in Perth's Magistrates Court, Kemp pleaded guilty to the charge of dangerous driving causing death while intoxicated. This charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors decided to drop a secondary charge of dangerous driving causing bodily harm to Kemp's passenger, who suffered a fractured skull and broken nose but survived.

Family and Legal Reactions

Thanh Phan's family described him as a beloved husband, father, and friend, expressing their profound loss. Kemp's lawyer, Michael Tudori, conveyed her remorse and desire to expedite the legal process, hoping for a resolution before Christmas. Kemp, who was on a working holiday visa, remains in custody, with her sentencing scheduled for October 31.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

As Kemp awaits sentencing, the case highlights the severe consequences of drunk driving, even on e-scooters, under Western Australian law. The maximum penalty of 20 years reflects the gravity of such offenses, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety regulations. Legal experts suggest that this case could prompt stricter enforcement of e-scooter regulations, particularly concerning alcohol consumption. The outcome may also influence public discourse on the responsibilities of foreign nationals on working holiday visas, potentially leading to policy reviews.

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