A 19-year-old teenager has been jailed for six years and nine months after causing the death of 86-year-old great-grandmother Gloria Stephenson in Sunderland last May. Billy Stokoe was riding an illegal, defective e-bike without proper brakes, under the influence of cannabis and using his phone, when he struck Gloria as she crossed at a zebra crossing while walking her daughter’s dog. Gloria died at the scene after being hit and left by Stokoe, who fled to hide the bike and change clothes.
Daughters’ Powerful Court Words
Speaking in court, Gloria’s daughter Lisa Tench confronted Stokoe directly about his actions. She said: “You, on your illegal, defective bike. You, speeding. You, on your phone. You, under the influence of cannabis. Mam didn’t stand a chance. You hit her with such ferocity that you catapulted her feet away from the crossing, inflicting those horrific injuries on her and injuring my dog. You drove off and left her there to die.”
Family Pay Tribute To Gloria
Eldest daughter Julie Francis described Gloria as a fit and active woman with years still to live. She said: “Our Mam had a zest for life that did not fade or diminish with age; she was vital and vivacious until the day you killed her. Our Mam was a beautiful woman, known as ‘Glamorous Gloria’. More importantly, she was a good person, with strong moral principles who tried to live her life.”
Illegal Dangerous Ride
Stokoe’s Sur-Ron e-bike was not street legal, had a broken brake, and he was using his phone with his left hand while riding. Police confirmed he was under the influence of cannabis during the collision and fled immediately after. Despite asking to change bail terms to attend a football match and go on holiday, the seriousness of his offences and lack of remorse were clear.
Psychological Insight And Sentence
A psychological assessment found Stokoe has ADHD and an IQ of 66. However, the court ruled this did not excuse his dangerous driving. He admitted causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to nearly seven years’ imprisonment.
