An English backpacker has pleaded guilty after fatally crashing into a father-of-two while riding an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol in Australia. The tragic incident has sparked nationwide debate about e-scooter safety regulations.
Alicia Kemp, from Redditch, Worcestershire, appeared in Perth Magistrates' Court via video link from prison on Monday. The 25-year-old was charged with dangerous driving causing death under the influence of alcohol.
Fatal crash in Perth
Kemp was over the Australian legal limit when she crashed into Thanh Phan, 51, while riding through Perth's city centre on May 31. Mr Phan died in hospital days later after suffering a brain bleed.
His death thrust the issue of e-scooter regulations into Australia's national spotlight. The fatal crash prompted the City of Perth and several other local councils to suspend e-scooter hire services indefinitely.
Legal consequences ahead
Kemp will remain in custody and is due to appear before Perth District Court on October 31. A date will be set for her sentencing at that hearing.
The charge of dangerous driving causing death carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Under Western Australian law, e-scooter riders must wear a helmet, be sober, carry no passengers and be aged over 16 years old.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
