An English backpacker who was drunk when she hit and killed a man while riding an e-scooter in Perth’s CBD has been sentenced to four years jail.
Alicia Kemp, 25, who was in WA on a working holiday visa, struck pedestrian Thanh Phan on a footpath along Murray Street in May.
The 51-year-old’s head hit the pavement and he died in hospital.
Thanh Phan died in hospital after being struck by the e-scooter. (Supplied)
A passenger who was on Kemp’s scooter was also hurt, but her injuries were not life-threatening.
A ‘cautionary tale’
In August, Kemp pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death while under the influence of alcohol, but a secondary charge of causing bodily harm to her passenger was dropped.
It was estimated she hit Mr Phan at a speed of 20 to 25 kph, about the maximum speed of a rentable scooter.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Murray and King streets. (ABC News: Glyn Jones)
The District Court heard Kemp blew an alcohol level of 0.185, which is more than three times the legal limit to drive a vehicle.
In sentencing, Judge Wendy Hughes said there was a clear message to send to the community.
“You, Miss Kemp, are the cautionary tale,” Judge Hughes said.
“E-scooters are not toys … if you drive while drunk at speed with a passenger without due care or attention and break the rules, that is not an accident.
“That is the truth for you. It is not classed as an accident. You were responsible for the death of a good man, and I accept you understand.”
Mr Phan was described by his family as a beloved husband, father of two, brother and dear friend.
His death thrust the issue of e-rideable regulation back into the spotlight.
Several councils suspended the hiring of e-scooters after Mr Phan’s death. (ABC News: Glyn Jones)
The City of Perth indefinitely suspended the hiring of e-scooters, and other councils followed suit in the weeks after.
Kemp’s sentence was backdated to June 1, to reflect the time she has been in custody.
She will be eligible for parole after two years and will have her driver’s licence disqualified for two years.
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