The family of a beloved grandmother who tragically lost her life to a drugged e-biker expressed their outrage as the offender was sentenced today. Gloria Stephenson, 86, a mother of four, was fatally struck by 19-year-old Billy Stokoe while crossing a street close to her residence.
During the trial at Newcastle Crown Court, it was revealed that Stokoe, engrossed in his mobile phone, failed to brake in time, leading to the fatal collision with Gloria. Following the incident, Stokoe hastily 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 how she was walking her daughter’s dog and had plans for an upcoming vacation with friends.
Described as an exceptional mother who dedicated her life to family and community, Gloria once thwarted fly tippers by cleverly pretending to capture their act on camera. In stark contrast, Stokoe displayed self-centered behavior post-incident, prioritizing personal desires over the family’s grief and funeral arrangements.
Expressing their frustration, Gloria’s daughters recounted Stokoe’s insensitivity and lack of remorse, highlighting his inappropriate requests for bail modifications to attend leisure activities shortly after causing their mother’s death. They emphasized the need for justice and a significant prison sentence for Stokoe to set a precedent and ensure accountability.
Reflecting on Gloria’s vibrant spirit and untimely passing, her daughter Janine emphasized that the tragedy had shattered their lives, emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior on the roads to prevent such heartbreaking incidents. The family expressed their ongoing struggle with grief and the hope for closure following the conclusion of legal proceedings.
Despite the irreparable loss, Gloria’s legacy as a devoted and accomplished woman, cherished by her children and grandchildren, continues to resonate. The family remains united in their memories of joyful times spent with Gloria and seeks solace in the prospect of eventual healing after a period of profound sorrow.
