Startling video footage captured the moment a teenage individual riding an e-bike under the influence of drugs fled the scene after fatally striking an elderly woman on a pedestrian crossing.
Billy Stokoe, 19, was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison for causing the death of 86-year-old Gloria Stephenson in a tragic accident in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. Stokoe, who was speeding on his e-bike, high on cannabis, and distracted by his mobile phone, collided with Ms. Stephenson, causing immediate and fatal injuries.
Surveillance cameras captured the incident, showing Stokoe hitting Ms. Stephenson, falling from his bike, and then callously fleeing the scene after briefly checking on the victim. He was later apprehended after being taken to the police station by his mother.
During the court proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court, Stokoe pleaded guilty to charges of causing death by dangerous driving, driving without a license, and driving without insurance. He will be eligible for release after serving half of his sentence and will face a five-year driving ban upon release.
The family of Ms. Stephenson expressed their profound grief over the loss of their beloved matriarch, describing her as a vibrant and independent woman with a deep passion for life. Ms. Stephenson, a former NHS employee and a devoted mother and grandmother, was tragically killed while walking her daughter’s dog.
Stokoe’s lack of remorse and his insensitive actions following the incident were strongly condemned by Ms. Stephenson’s family. They criticized his delayed admission of guilt and highlighted his disregard for the severity of the situation, including his immediate focus on personal activities rather than showing remorse for his actions.
Superintendent Billy Mulligan of Northumbria Police emphasized the recklessness of Stokoe’s actions, stating that the incident was a predictable consequence of the dangerous manner in which Stokoe was riding his e-bike. Mulligan underscored the high speeds and erratic behavior of e-bike riders, urging for stricter regulations to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
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