British Backpacker Admits Guilt in Fatal E-Scooter Incident

25-year-old Alicia Kemp pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death after fatally injuring a pedestrian while riding an e-scooter under the influence.

A British backpacker has accepted responsibility for the death of a man in Australia, stemming from an incident in which she struck him while operating an e-scooter with a blood alcohol level over three times the legal limit. Alicia Kemp, 25, from Redditch, Worcestershire, found herself in court following a tragic accident that occurred in Perth's city center last May. On that fateful Saturday afternoon, she had been drinking with a friend when they were both asked to leave a bar due to their inebriation.

Later in the evening, the duo rented an e-scooter, and Kemp was driving at speeds between 20 to 25 km/h (12 to 15 mph) when she collided with 51-year-old Thanh Phan, who was waiting to cross the street. The collision was severe, causing Phan to hit his head on the pavement. He succumbed to his injuries two days later in the hospital due to a brain hemorrhage.

Kemp's passenger also sustained injuries, including a fractured skull and broken nose, but fortunately, her condition was not life-threatening. During a session at Perth’s Magistrates Court via video link, Kemp pled guilty to the charge of dangerous driving that led to death while intoxicated. This serious charge has a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

In previous hearings, the court revealed that Kemp's blood alcohol content was measured at 0.158, significantly higher than the legal limit of 0.05 in Australia. Prosecutors presented CCTV footage that showcased Kemp's reckless riding style prior to the crash. The victim's family expressed their loss, describing Phan, a structural engineer, as a cherished husband, father, and friend.

Kemp’s attorney, Michael Tudori, mentioned that she felt relieved after entering her plea and expressed hope for a sentencing before Christmas. "You could see she was ready to say those words; she's obviously done something stupid," Tudori conveyed to the ABC news agency. Kemp, currently on a working holiday visa in Western Australia, will remain in custody until her sentencing.