Teen in court accused of killing gran with electric bike on crossing

A teenager has appeared in court accused of mowing down and killing a great-grandmother who was walking over a zebra crossing while allegedly speeding on an electric motorcycle.

Billy Stokoe, 19, is charged with causing death by dangerous driving as well as driving while under the influence of drugs after he allegedly hit ‘beautiful and intelligent’ Gloria Stephenson, 86, on May 16 last year.

She was with her daughter and grandson at the time of the incident. 

South Tyneside Magistrates Court heard today that the crash was captured on car dash cam footage and witnesses described Stokoe allegedly speeding and holding a mobile phone as he collided with Ms Stephenson. 

He is also accused of failing to stop after the crash.

Prosecutor Chike Anieto said Stokoe was driving a Sur-Ron Light Bee electronic motorcycle at around 2pm when he ‘collided with Gloria Stephenson, an 86-year-old lady, crossing the road on a pedestrian zebra crossing.’

‘It was fatal and led to the death of this lady,’ he added.

‘[The incident] was captured on dash cam footage which shows the defendant did not slow down at the crossing and collided with Gloria Stephenson.

‘The witness evidence in this case is he was speeding and holding a mobile phone.

‘The defendant when interviewed in respect of the case provided no comment.’

Stokoe is accused of having traces above the legal limit of THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, a cannabis compound, in his blood at the time of his arrest.

The teenager, of Sunderland, is charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving without due care while over the drug limit and causing death while driving a vehicle without a licence or insurance.

He is also accused of riding a motorcycle while failing to wear protective headgear and failing to stop after a road accident.

Stokoe, wearing a dark suit and supported by members of his family, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the short hearing today.

He covered his face with a scarf as he entered and left the court building.

Due to the serious nature of the offences, the case was sent to Newcastle Crown Court for a further hearing next month.

In a statement released shortly after her death, Ms Stephenson’s family said they were ‘devastated at the loss of our vibrant, active, beautiful and intelligent mam, grandma, mother-in-law and great-grandma.'

‘The press described her as an “elderly lady” – however, we want to make absolutely clear that our mam was full of life,' the statement added.

‘She was active, fit, healthy, and had years left to give her love and share her energy and zest for life with everyone who knew her.

‘The family want to express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to everyone who supported mam, and her daughter and grandson at the scene.’