A British backpacker has pleaded guilty to causing the death of a man in Australia while riding an e-scooter drunk.
Alicia Kemp, 25, from Redditch, Worcestershire, had been drinking with a friend in Perth on 31 May before being kicked out of a bar for being too intoxicated. Despite being over the legal blood alcohol limit of 0.05%, she rode an e-scooter through the city centre at around 12–16 mph—the top speed of the device.
She collided with 51-year-old Thanh Phan, who suffered a fatal brain bleed after hitting his head on the pavement. The father of two died in hospital a few days later. His death sparked the suspension of e-scooter hire services in Perth and other local areas, and it has triggered a government inquiry into e-vehicle safety.
Kemp, who was in Australia on a working holiday visa, appeared via video link from prison at Perth Magistrates’ Court on Monday. She faces up to 20 years in prison and will remain in custody until she appears in Perth District Court on 31 October, when a sentencing date will be set.
Her lawyer described her as “nervous and worried” about being a young foreign national in an Australian jail, adding that she “wasn’t thinking” at the time and is now facing the consequences.
Mr Phan’s family paid tribute, calling him a “beloved husband, father, brother, and dear friend.” His death was the fifth involving an e-vehicle in Perth this year. Melbourne banned e-scooter hire in 2024, and Paris voted for a ban in 2023.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
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