British Tourist Admits Guilt in Fatal E-Scooter Incident Amidst Alcohol Crisis

Alicia Kemp, a 25-year-old British backpacker, has pled guilty to causing the death of Thanh Phan in Perth, Australia, while riding an e-scooter with a blood alcohol level more than three times the limit, raising concerns over safety and alcohol consumption among tourists.

A British backpacker, Alicia Kemp, has entered a guilty plea in a case stemming from a tragic incident where she fatally struck a pedestrian while operating an e-scooter under the influence. At just 25 years old, Kemp was in Australia on a working holiday visa when the accident occurred in May. Reports indicate that she had been drinking heavily with a friend prior to being ejected from a bar on the same day due to their inebriated state.

Afterwards, Kemp and her friend rented an e-scooter. The court heard that she was traveling at speeds between 20 to 25 kilometers per hour (12 to 15 miles per hour) when she collided with 51-year-old Thanh Phan—who was waiting to cross the road—resulting in a fatal brain bleed after he hit his head on the pavement. This incident not only claimed the life of Mr. Phan but also left Kemp’s passenger with a fractured skull and a broken nose, though her injuries were not life-threatening.

Appearing via video link, Kemp pleaded guilty to the charge of dangerous driving causing death while intoxicated, a crime that carries a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years. Prosecutors revealed Kemp's blood alcohol content at the time of the accident registered at a staggering 0.158, over three times the legal threshold of 0.05 in Australia. CCTV footage from the scene displayed Kemp's “inexplicably dangerous” riding behavior before the crash.

The family of Mr. Phan, a well-loved engineer and father, expressed their devastation during the proceedings. Kemp’s attorney, Michael Tudori, conveyed that she was relieved to have entered her plea and is looking forward to the sentencing before the Christmas holiday. Currently, she remains in custody as she awaits the court's ruling on her case.