The family of an elderly woman killed by a teenager riding an electric motorbike have spoken of their heartbreak and anger after the young rider was sentenced to nearly seven years in youth detention.
The case of the “Teen e-biker jailed” has sparked renewed debate about dangerous electric bikes, reckless driving, and road safety after the teenager struck and killed 86-year-old Gloria Stephenson while she was crossing the road in Sunderland.
Billy Stokoe, who was 18 at the time of the incident, admitted causing death by dangerous driving following the fatal crash in May 2025.
The teenager was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court after the court heard shocking details surrounding the incident, including that he had taken cannabis, was using a mobile phone while riding, and fled the scene after the collision.
The tragic case has left Stephenson’s family devastated, with relatives saying they believed the sentence was too lenient considering the circumstances of the crash.
Teen E-Biker Jailed Following Fatal Zebra Crossing Crash
The court heard that Gloria Stephenson had been walking a family dog when she attempted to cross Burdon Road using a zebra crossing at around 13:00 BST on 16 May 2025.
Traffic on one side of the road had stopped to allow her to cross safely.
However, Stokoe rode an off-road electric motorbike directly into her without slowing down, swerving, or attempting to brake.
Dashcam footage shown in court captured the horrifying moment of impact.
The footage reportedly showed the balaclava-clad teenager being knocked off the bike before briefly looking at his elderly victim lying injured on the crossing and then riding away from the scene.
Emergency responders rushed to assist Stephenson, but paramedics later confirmed that she died at the scene due to the severity of her injuries.
During proceedings, prosecutors revealed that Stokoe had been driving under the influence of cannabis and was found to be three times over the legal limit.
The court also heard that CCTV footage showed him using a mobile phone continuously for at least half a mile before the fatal collision occurred.
According to prosecutor Michael Bunch, the electric motorbike involved in the crash was not road legal and was in poor mechanical condition.
The only functioning brake lever was located on the left side of the handlebars — the same hand Stokoe was reportedly using to hold his mobile phone.
After fleeing the scene, Stokoe rode to a friend’s house, where he abandoned the bike and changed his clothes before returning home.
His mother later took him to a police station after learning about the incident.
The court heard that his actions following the crash further intensified the pain experienced by the victim’s family.
Outside court, Stephenson’s eldest daughter, Julie Francis, said the family felt devastated and deeply disappointed by the sentence handed to the teenager.
“He killed our mam, he left the scene,” she said emotionally after the hearing.
The family had reportedly hoped the court would impose a harsher punishment to send a stronger message about illegal electric bikes and reckless driving.
Francis told the court that her mother had lived a remarkable and inspiring life.
Stephenson, who worked in the NHS and raised four daughters while becoming a grandmother to 13 grandchildren, was described as resilient, intelligent, ambitious, and full of life.
Family members affectionately referred to her as “glamorous Gloria” because of her vibrant personality and elegance.
During emotional victim impact statements, Gloria Stephenson’s family described the devastating impact her death had on their lives.
Francis said her mother remained energetic and full of purpose right up until the day she was killed.
“When you killed our mam, you took a life that was good, that had purpose, that gave more than it took,” she told the court.
She also condemned the teenager’s decision to flee the crash scene instead of helping the injured woman.
“You left our beautiful, clever courageous mam to die at the side of the road like she was a piece of rubbish in the gutter,” Francis said.
The family further accused Stokoe of showing little remorse following the tragedy.
According to Francis, just days after the fatal crash, the teenager attended a football match at Wembley Stadium to watch Sunderland play and later attempted to have his bail conditions relaxed so he could travel abroad on holiday.
She also alleged that he continued posting regularly on social media after the incident.
The case has reignited public concern over illegal electric bikes and dangerous riding behaviour, especially among young people.
Road safety campaigners say the increasing use of high-powered electric bikes on public roads has created serious risks for pedestrians and motorists alike.
The fact that the bike involved was not road legal has further intensified calls for stricter regulation and enforcement.
Many members of the public have expressed sympathy for Gloria Stephenson’s family while demanding tougher penalties for dangerous driving offences involving electric vehicles.
The tragic death has also highlighted the dangers of distracted driving and the deadly consequences of using mobile phones while operating vehicles.
Although the sentencing has concluded, Gloria Stephenson’s family says the pain of losing their loved one remains overwhelming.
Relatives described her as a caring mother, devoted grandmother, and strong woman who positively impacted everyone around her.
For the family, no sentence will ever undo the loss they suffered on that tragic afternoon in Sunderland.
The case of the teen e-biker jailed for causing Stephenson’s death now stands as another stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving, road safety, and accountability.
