British backpacker who hit and killed father-of-two whereas using an e-scooter in Australia is jailed for 4 years

A British backpacker has been jailed for four years after killing a father-of-two while riding an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol in Australia.

Alicia Kemp from Redditch, Worcestershire, smashed into the back of 51-year-old Thanh Phan while riding through Perth‘s city centre on May 31.

The 25-year-old was three times over the Australian legal limit and riding at around 20kph when she hit Mr Phan, who died in hospital several days later, having suffered a brain bleed.

Psychology graduate Kemp had been drinking from 2.30pm at a ‘bottomless brunch’ with a friend and was later kicked out of a bar for being too drunk.

That evening, she hired an e-scooter at around 8.30pm. According to officers, she was the main rider while her friend was illegally riding as a passenger.

Kemp stayed at the scene and spoke to police, but the court heard she continued drinking after the crash because neither she nor emergency crews initially realised how serious Mr Phan’s injuries were. 

Her friend was also knocked unconscious, suffering a fractured skull and broken nose. Kemp – who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death while under the influence of alcohol in August – was treated for minor injuries. 

Judge Wendy Hughes handed Kemp, who appeared at Perth District Court, Western Australia, on Friday, a four-year prison term, backdated to June for time served, with a non-parole period of two years. 

Alicia Kemp, 25, from Redditch, Worcestershire, has been jailed for four years after fatally smashing into the back of 51-year-old Thanh Phan while riding through Perth’s city centre on May 31

Mr Phan was taken to hospital where he died several days later having suffered a brain bleed

Psychology graduate Kemp had been drinking from 2.30pm with a friend and was kicked out of a bar for being too drunk 

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Hughes said Kemp continued at several venues across Perth after the bottomless brunch before getting on the e-scooter.

‘E-scooters are not toys,’ Judge Hughes said. 

‘As a result of the force from being struck, the victim spun around and fell backwards on to the road at the intersection, hitting his head on the ground with significant force,’ she added.

‘It was not an accident,’ Judge Hughes told Kemp.

‘You are responsible for the death of a good man, and I accept that you understand that today.’

Kemp could be eligible for release in mid-2027. Her driver’s licence has also been suspended for two years.

The court heard Kemp, who has no prior criminal record, was at ‘low risk’ of reoffending and felt a ‘deep sense of shame and guilt and remorse’ for her actions. 

She had been travelling through East Asia and Australia with her boyfriend on a four-month tourist visa and worked at a pub called Durty Nelly’s at the time of the incident. 

After her arrest, her parents flew to Australia to be with her, according to The Times.

On LinkedIn, she describes herself as a digital nomad and said she was taking a ‘career break’ to focus on travelling. She often shared her experiences on TikTok.

Judge Hughes said that Mr Phan’s family had lost a ‘highly devoted’ father who worked ‘tirelessly’ to provide for his two sons.

‘Before the collision, I have no doubt that this family had difficult times; however, they worked as a team. They were self-sufficient and dedicated to their efforts in providing for their sons,’ she said.

‘Since the victim’s death, the family has gone, and their entire financial security and sense of security has been shattered.’

In an earlier statement, Mr Phan’s family described him as a ‘beloved husband, father of two and dear friend’. 

The tragedy brought e-scooter safety into the national spotlight in Australia, leading Perth and a number of surrounding councils to suspend hire services indefinitely.

In July, a close friend of Mr Phan told ABC News: ‘E-scooters for hire are motorised vehicles that require no licence to operate and are often stationed outside bars and clubs, inviting use by people who may be intoxicated.

‘We call on the City of Perth and the minister for transport to take decisive action.’ In an earlier statement, Mr Phan’s family described him as a ‘beloved husband, father of two and dear friend’.

Dangerous driving causing death carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment.

Under Western Australian law, e-scooter riders must wear a helmet, be sober, carry no passengers and be aged over 16.