British Backpacker Sentenced for Fatal E-Scooter Crash

A 25-year-old British backpacker has been sentenced to four years in prison for causing the death of a father-of-two in a tragic e-scooter accident. Alicia Kemp was found guilty of dangerous driving causing death while intoxicated, with her blood alcohol level exceeding the legal limit in Australia at the time of the incident.

The collision occurred on May 31, 2023, in the city center of Perth. Kemp, who had been drinking with a friend earlier that day, struck Thanh Phan, a 51-year-old structural engineer, while he was waiting to cross the road. The crash resulted in severe injuries for Phan, who later died from a brain bleed two days after the accident.

Details of the Incident

Kemp and her friend were reportedly ejected from a bar for being intoxicated before they rented an e-scooter later that evening. According to evidence presented in Perth District Court, Kemp was riding at speeds between 12 to 15 mph when she collided with Phan, who was not at fault. The court also revealed that Kemp’s friend sustained serious injuries, including a fractured skull and broken nose, while Kemp herself received treatment for minor injuries.

CCTV footage captured Kemp’s “inexplicably dangerous” riding behavior prior to the crash. The court determined that her actions constituted a serious violation of road safety laws.

Legal Consequences and Impact

On December 12, 2023, Kemp was sentenced to four years in prison, with a non-parole period of two years. Her driver’s license has been suspended for two years, and her sentence has been backdated to account for time served since her arrest. She pleaded guilty to the charge in August and could potentially be eligible for release in mid-2027.

The tragedy of Thanh Phan’s death has sparked renewed discussions about e-scooter safety regulations across Australia. Following the incident, several councils, including those in Perth, suspended e-scooter hire services while an inquiry into the safety of such vehicles is underway. New laws have been enacted, requiring e-scooter riders to wear helmets, maintain sobriety, avoid carrying passengers, and be at least 16 years old.

Phan’s family released a statement describing him as a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend. The maximum penalty for dangerous driving causing death in Australia is 20 years imprisonment, highlighting the severity of Kemp’s actions and the tragic consequences of impaired driving.