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The family of Gloria Stephenson, described as a beloved and lively grandmother, has expressed deep anger and sorrow towards Billy Stokoe, the young electric motorbike rider responsible for her death. Stokoe, who was 18 at the time of the incident in Sunderland in May 2025, collided with Ms. Stephenson as she crossed a zebra crossing, leaving her injured and then fleeing the scene. His actions, as detailed during the sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court, have left the family devastated, with one of her daughters saying, “I will hate you until my last breath.”
According to court proceedings, Stokoe had consumed cannabis and was using a mobile phone while riding an off-road electric motorbike, which was neither road legal nor in good condition. Dashcam footage revealed that after hitting Ms. Stephenson, who was 86, Stokoe was thrown from the bike but quickly got back on and rode away without attempting to stop or help. Paramedics later confirmed that Ms. Stephenson passed away at the scene. It was also revealed that Stokoe discarded the electric bike at a friend’s house after changing clothes and only informed his mother, who then took him to the police station. Police investigations found that his blood contained cannabis levels three times over the legal driving limit, and CCTV footage showed him using his phone for a significant distance before the crash.
Gloria Stephenson, a mother of four daughters and grandmother to 13 grandchildren, was known for her spirited and confident personality. Her eldest daughter, Julie Francis, spoke outside the court about the family’s frustration and disappointment over the sentence handed down to Stokoe, which was just under seven years in youth detention. “He killed our mam, he left the scene,” she said, adding that he tried to hide the evidence and showed no remorse. Francis emphasized the family’s wish for a harsher sentence to serve as a deterrent, especially as these illegal bikes continue to pose dangers on the roads.
In court, Judge Robert Adams acknowledged that although Stokoe had not intended to cause harm that day, his dangerous driving resulted in the loss of a much-loved woman’s life and that he would have to live with the consequences for the rest of his life. Stokoe was sentenced to six years and nine months in youth detention, received a driving ban lasting over eight years, and must pass an extended driving test before he can regain his license. The victim’s daughters expressed their heartbreak and anger, describing their mother as strong and independent, and condemning Stokoe’s behavior, stating, “You have no moral compass.
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