A British backpacker has taken a guilty plea for her involvement in a tragic incident that resulted in a man's death while she was riding an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol. Alicia Kemp, 25, from Redditch, Worcestershire, was on a working holiday visa in Australia when the accident occurred in May. After being ejected from a bar for excessive drinking, Kemp and a friend hired an e-scooter. Court testimonies revealed that she was driving at speeds between 20 to 25km/h (12 to 15mph) when she struck 51-year-old Thanh Phan from behind as he waited to cross the street in Perth's city center.
Despite receiving immediate medical attention, Mr. Phan succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident, including a serious brain bleed, two days after the accident. Kemp’s passenger also suffered injuries, including a fractured skull, though they were deemed non-life-threatening. Upon being charged, Kemp appeared via video link at Perth's Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death while intoxicated; this charge holds the potential for a sentence of up to 20 years.
During the proceedings, prosecutors highlighted Kemp's dramatic blood alcohol level of 0.158, which is more than three times the legal limit of 0.05 in Australia. CCTV footage reportedly showcased her reckless driving leading up to the fatal collision. Mr. Phan’s family has expressed their profound grief, remembering him as a cherished husband and father. Kemp's attorney stated that she is anxious to face the consequences of her actions, expressing a desire for sentencing to occur before the holiday season. Currently, she remains in custody awaiting further legal developments.
