English Backpacker Pleads Guilty to Causing Death of Perth Father in Drunken E-Scooter Crash

Published: 11 August 2025. The English Chronicle Online

Alicia Kemp, a 25-year-old English backpacker from Redditch, Worcestershire, has pleaded guilty to causing the death of a father of two in a tragic e-scooter accident in Perth, Western Australia. The incident occurred on the evening of May 31, when Kemp, under the influence of alcohol, struck 51-year-old Thanh Phan while riding through the city.

Phan sustained critical injuries and died in hospital several days later. Kemp faced charges of dangerous driving occasioning death and dangerous driving causing bodily harm, both while under the influence. At a recent hearing in Western Australia’s magistrates court, Kemp admitted guilt to the charge of dangerous driving occasioning death. The bodily harm charge was subsequently dropped by prosecutors.

Speaking to the press outside court, Kemp’s defence lawyer, Mike Tudori, expressed that his client deeply regrets her actions and is eager to move forward with the legal process. He described Kemp as nervous and concerned, emphasizing her status as a young foreign national navigating the prison system far from home. Supported by her boyfriend in Australia, Kemp and her family in the UK are reportedly anxious about the outcome.

Tudori requested that sentencing be expedited, ideally before Christmas, so Kemp can begin to rebuild her life. Kemp had previously been refused bail and remains in custody. Her sentencing is scheduled for October 31.

Phan’s family has remembered him as a cherished husband, father, brother, and friend, mourning the loss caused by the collision. Kemp herself sustained minor injuries, while her 26-year-old female passenger was hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries.

Under Western Australian law, e-scooter riders must adhere to strict regulations, including wearing helmets, riding sober, carrying no passengers, and being at least 16 years old. Dangerous driving causing death carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the severe consequences of impaired driving and the importance of road safety for all users, including those on emerging transport modes like e-scooters.