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A British traveler admitted guilt after causing the death of a father of two in a crash while operating an e-scooter under the influence in Australia.
Alicia Kemp, hailing from Redditch, Worcestershire, made a court appearance via video link from jail at Perth Magistrates’ Court on Monday, on charges of dangerous driving resulting in death while intoxicated.
Another charge of causing harm to a passenger while under the influence of alcohol was dropped.
The charge of dangerous driving causing death carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The 25-year-old was over the Australian legal limit when she crashed into Thanh Phan, 51, while riding through Perth’s city centre on May 31.
Mr Phan died in hospital days later after suffering a brain bleed.
Kemp and the scooter’s passenger also suffered minor injuries.
Per the Australian Associated Press, Kemp’s attorney, Mike Tudori, explained to the media outside court that his client felt ‘anxious and apprehensive’ as a ‘young foreign national girl’ incarcerated overseas.
Alicia Kemp (pictured) was over the Australian legal limit when she crashed into Thanh Phan, 51, while riding through Perth’s city centre on May 31
Father of two Mr Phan died in hospital days later after suffering a brain bleed
‘She’s obviously done something stupid at the time,’ he said.
‘She obviously wasn’t thinking level-headed and there’s consequences, and she just wants to get on with her life.’
The tragic incident involving Mr. Phan sparked national debate over e-scooter rules across Australia, leading the City of Perth and other councils to halt e-scooter rental services indefinitely.
In an earlier statement, Mr Phan’s family described him as a ‘beloved husband, father of two and dear friend’.
Kemp will remain in custody and is due to appear before Perth District Court on October 31, when a date will be set for her sentencing.
Under Western Australian law, e-scooter riders must wear a helmet, be sober, carry no passengers and be aged over 16 years old.
Police allege psychology graduate Kemp had been drinking from 2.30pm that afternoon with a friend and was kicked out of a bar for being too drunk.
That night, around 8:30 pm, she rented an e-scooter. Officers reported she was primarily operating the scooter while her friend illegally rode as a passenger.
Police allege Kemp had been drinking from 2.30pm that afternoon with a friend and was kicked out of a bar for being too drunk
Alicia Kemp, from Redditch, Worcestershire, has admitted guilt after causing a fatal accident involving a father of two while riding an e-scooter under the influence in Australia.
After her arrest, her parents flew to Australia to be with her, according to The Times,
She had been travelling through East Asia and Australia with her boyfriend on a four-month tourist visa. She had been working at a pub called Durty Nelly’s at the time of the incident.
On LinkedIn, she describes herself as a digital nomad and said she was taking a ‘career break’ to focus on travelling. She often shared her experiences on TikTok.
Mr Phan’s family and friends have now called on authorities to take action against E-scooters.
Last month, a close friend told ABC News: ‘E-scooters for hire are motorised vehicles that require no licence to operate and are often stationed outside bars and clubs, inviting use by people who may be intoxicated.
‘We call on the City of Perth and the minister for transport to take decisive action.
The head of trauma services at Royal Perth Hospital revealed a disturbing rise in e-scooter injuries, many linked to alcohol.
