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Brit backpacker accused of killing dad in horror e-scooter crash under influence

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A British backpacker who was charged over the death of a dad-of-two while riding an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol overseas has faced court.

Alicia Kemp, from Redditch, Worcestershire, is accused of fatally crashing into Thanh Phan, 51, in Western Australia on May 31. The 25-year-old was reportedly boozed-up while cruising through Perth's city centre. Mr Phan was rushed to hospital but died of a brain bleed days later.

At the time, police said: "On Saturday night, Thanh Phan – a beloved husband, father of two, brother, and dear friend – was struck by an electric scooter and critically injured. Yesterday evening, we received the heartbreaking news that Thanh passed away as a result of his injuries."

READ MORE: Brit backpacker, 24, could face 20 years in prison over Australian e-scooter crash

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Kemp has been charged with dangerous driving causing death under the influence of alcohol, as well as dangerous driving causing bodily harm under the influence of alcohol. She is yet to enter a plea. Kemp was denied bail at a hearing in June. The magistrate said: "It's a very difficult decision for the court to make. The temptation might be that [she] won’t return… I can’t manage that risk."

The 25-year-old appeared at Perth Magistrates' Court via video link on Tuesday. She will remain behind bars until her case returns to court on August 11 for legal argument.

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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.

Phan's family described him as a "beloved husband, father-of-two, brother, and dear friend", and have since called for a crackdown on safety laws around e-scooters. "We also call for a review of the governance and safety regulations surrounding hired e-scooters to help prevent further serious incidents that put lives at risk," the family said.

His neighbour Lee Carroll described him as a generous and "very gentle man", reports ABC AU. Mr Carroll said: "He loved having our kids over at his house, he shows them the fish pond that he made and the budgies that they have, he's just very kind and very gentle man."

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