Update: British Backpacker Jailed After Fatal E-Scooter Collision – Perth CBD, WA – May 2025

What happened

Incident Overview

A British backpacker has been sentenced to prison following a fatal e-scooter collision in Perth’s CBD that killed a 51-year-old pedestrian. The crash occurred on Murray Street in May, when the e-scooter rider struck a man who was out for dinner. The victim was taken to hospital in a critical condition and died the following day. On 12 December, the rider was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death while under the influence of alcohol.

• Crash Date: May 2025 (exact date not specified)
• Location: Murray Street, Perth CBD, WA

• E-scooter — ridden by the offender, with a passenger on the back
• Pedestrian — 51-year-old man struck on the footpath

• Fatalities:
  • 51-year-old man — pedestrian; died in hospital the day after the collision.
• Critical/Serious Injuries:
  • Female passenger on the e-scooter — suffered head and facial fractures; transported to hospital.

The death of the pedestrian has had a profound impact on his family, with his wife describing the loss of her husband as “indescribable”. The sentencing drew attention to the risks associated with e-scooters, particularly when used while intoxicated, and prompted strong judicial warnings that such incidents are not accidents but criminal acts.

Emergency Response

• Emergency services attended Murray Street after reports of a pedestrian being struck.
• The injured pedestrian was transported to Royal Perth Hospital in a critical condition.
• The e-scooter passenger also required hospital treatment for serious injuries.

Investigation

Police and the court heard the rider had been drinking for several hours prior to the collision.

• The rider had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.185.
• CCTV footage showed the e-scooter travelling at about 20km/h and weaving between pedestrians.
• The offender pleaded guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death while under the influence of alcohol.
• She was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment, with eligibility for parole after 18 months.

Appeal for Information

The investigation phase has concluded and the matter has proceeded through the courts.

• Crime Stoppers WA: Call 1800 333 000 for any historical information relevant to the incident.