British Backpacker Admits Guilt in Fatal E-Scooter Collision While Intoxicated

A British backpacker has admitted to killing a man while riding an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol, raising awareness about the risks of intoxicated driving.

Alicia Kemp, a 25-year-old from Redditch, Worcestershire, has pleaded guilty to causing the death of 51-year-old Thanh Phan, whom she struck with an e-scooter while severely intoxicated. The incident happened in Perth, Australia, during her working holiday. The court hearing revealed that Kemp's blood alcohol level was 0.158 — more than three times the legal limit of 0.05 in Australia.

On a Saturday afternoon in May, she and a friend were removed from a bar due to their drunkenness. Later that evening, they rented an e-scooter, with Kemp operating it at speeds between 12 to 15 mph. In a tragic turn of events, she collided with Phan, who was waiting to cross the street, leading to him suffering a fatal brain injury after hitting his head on the pavement.

The crash also left Kemp's passenger injured, sustaining a fractured skull and broken nose, although her injuries were non-life-threatening. During a recent hearing in Perth's Magistrates Court, Kemp appeared via video link, acknowledging her actions and pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing death. This charge could result in a maximum of 20 years in prison.

Prosecutors chose to drop a second charge related to the serious injury of her passenger. CCTV footage presented during the hearing illustrated Kemp's "inexplicably dangerous" riding style prior to the crash. Phan's family paid tribute to him, describing him as a cherished husband, father, brother, and friend.

Kemp's lawyer, Michael Tudori, commented on her guilty plea, expressing that she was relieved to move forward and hoped for a sentencing date before the holiday season. She is expected to remain in custody until her sentencing in the coming months.