The family of a beloved grandmother, who was tragically killed by a drugged-up e-biker, criticized him for abandoning her lifeless body on the road as he was sentenced to jail today. Gloria Stephenson, 86, a mother of four, was struck by 19-year-old Billy Stokoe while crossing a Zebra crossing near her residence. Stokoe, preoccupied with his mobile phone in his left hand, failed to stop in time, resulting in a fatal collision with Gloria. Following the incident, he fled the scene on his high-speed e-bike.
Gloria, a widow who had endured the loss of three husbands to cancer, was a grandmother of thirteen and a great-grandmother of five. Her family shared that she had been walking her daughter’s dog and was looking forward to an upcoming vacation with friends. They praised her as an exceptional mother who dedicated her life to her family and local community.
In stark contrast, Stokoe exhibited selfish behavior after the tragic event, requesting alterations to his bail conditions to attend a football match and vacation while Gloria’s family mourned her passing and arranged her funeral. Gloria’s daughters, Julie Francis and Janine Murphy, expressed their outrage at Stokoe’s lack of remorse and insensitivity towards their mother’s death.
Julie condemned Stokoe as a coward and called for a lengthy prison sentence as a form of justice. She highlighted his disregard for the victim and the community, emphasizing the need for stricter laws to address the dangers posed by such e-bikes. Janine reflected on her mother’s vitality and aspirations, noting that Gloria had plans for a holiday shortly after the tragedy, underscoring the profound impact of the loss on their family.
Julie fondly remembered her mother as a resourceful and ambitious woman who worked hard to provide for her family, eventually achieving a managerial position in healthcare. Gloria’s dedication to her children and grandchildren was evident in the cherished memories they shared together, creating a bond that will never be forgotten. As they navigate through their grief, Gloria’s loved ones seek closure and hope to eventually find solace after the conclusion of the court proceedings.
