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British tourist sentenced for deadly e-scooter collision
A 25-year-old woman from England has been imprisoned for four years after fatally striking a pedestrian while intoxicated on an e-scooter in Western Australia.
Details of the incident
Alicia Kemp, originally from Redditch in Worcestershire, was riding an e-scooter at 20-25 km/h (12-15 mph) when she collided with 51-year-old Thanh Phan on a Perth footpath in May. Court records show Kemp had been drinking with a friend earlier that afternoon and registered a blood alcohol level over three times the legal limit.
Mr. Phan, a father of two, suffered a severe head injury in the crash and died two days later from a brain hemorrhage. A passenger on Kemp's scooter also sustained serious injuries, including a fractured skull and broken nose, though their condition was not life-threatening.
Court findings and sentencing
Kemp pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death in the Perth Magistrates Court in August. During sentencing on Friday, Judge Wendy Hughes described Kemp's driving as reckless, noting she was "zigzagging across the footpath" and failed to stop at an intersection, risking a collision with other vehicles.
The judge highlighted that Kemp was traveling at more than double the 10 km/h (6 mph) speed limit for e-scooters on footpaths in Western Australia. "You were driving at speed, weaving in and out of pedestrians, and showed no regard for their safety," Judge Hughes stated.
After the crash, Kemp continued drinking at various venues until the early hours of the morning, rather than seeking help or reporting the incident.
Impact on the victim's family
Judge Hughes detailed the devastating consequences for Mr. Phan's family, including his wife, Ms. Li, and their two sons. Mr. Phan, a structural engineer, was the primary financial and emotional support for his family, enabling Ms. Li to work part-time while caring for their autistic children.
"He was the backbone of their family in every sense-emotionally, financially, and practically. He was strong and loving."
Judge Wendy Hughes, quoting Ms. Li
The court heard that Mr. Phan played a hands-on role in his eldest son's daily care, assisting with tasks like bathing, eating, and managing money. His youngest son is now struggling academically without his father's guidance, while Ms. Li faces overwhelming grief and health challenges as a newly widowed mother.
Mr. Phan's elderly mother, who resides in Vietnam, was too frail to travel to Australia for his funeral.
Kemp's remorse and sentencing terms
The court acknowledged that Kemp has experienced significant guilt, anxiety, and self-loathing since the incident. Judge Hughes noted Kemp poses a low risk of reoffending but emphasized the gravity of her actions.
"You, Miss Kemp, are the cautionary tale. E-scooters are not toys. You are responsible for that person's death, and that is the truth for you."
Judge Wendy Hughes
Kemp's four-year sentence will be backdated to June 1, with eligibility for parole after serving two years. Her driver's license has also been disqualified for two years.
