British Backpacker Sentenced Following Fatal E-Scooter Collision in Australia
A British backpacker has been sentenced to four years in prison after causing a deadly electric scooter crash in Perth, Western Australia. Alicia Kemp, 25, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving leading to the death of a father of two while under the influence of alcohol.
This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns about e-scooter safety, raising questions regarding regulations and enforcement in Australia. As the nation grapples with issues surrounding e-scooter use, the conversation around public safety standards has intensified, prompting policy review discussions across several jurisdictions.
Key Developments
- Alicia Kemp received a four-year prison sentence, backdated to June 2025 for time already served.
- Kemp will serve a minimum of two years before being eligible for release, which could come as early as mid-2027.
- Her driver’s license has been suspended for two years due to the incident.
- The collision, which occurred on May 31, involved 51-year-old Thanh Phan, who later succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
- The case has prompted a national debate about e-scooter regulations, resulting in several councils in the Perth area suspending rental services indefinitely.
Full Report
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Kemp appeared in Perth District Court on Friday, where she admitted to the charges against her. Judge Wendy Hughes acknowledged the gravity of her actions, emphasizing that dangerous driving causing death carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in Western Australia. Kemp was found to be over the legal blood alcohol limit at the time of the collision.
Victim’s Family Reaction
The family of Thanh Phan issued a heartfelt statement describing him as a “beloved husband, father-of-two and dear friend.” They expressed their grief and the profound loss they are experiencing, underscoring the impact of the tragedy on their lives.
Injuries and Immediate Aftermath
Both Kemp and her passenger on the electric scooter sustained minor injuries during the incident. The collision resulted in serious consequences for all involved, ultimately leading to the untimely death of Phan in the hospital due to a brain bleed.
Context & Previous Events
Recent discussions surrounding e-scooter safety in Australia have gained traction, particularly after the fatal incident. The regulations for e-scooter riders in Western Australia require users to be at least 16 years old, wear helmets, refrain from carrying passengers, and to remain sober while riding. In light of this tragic accident, numerous councils in Perth have chosen to suspend e-scooter hire services as a precautionary measure.
