Teenager ‘speeding and on drugs’ in court accused of killing great-grandmother, 86, with electric motorbike as she walked over zebra crossing

A teenager accused of mowing down and killing his great-grandmother while she was walking across a pedestrian crossing while allegedly speeding on an electric motorcycle appeared in court.

19-year-old Billy Stokoe is accused of causing death by driving under the influence of drugs, as well as dangerous driving, after allegedly hitting the ‘beautiful and intelligent’ Gloria Stephenson (86) on May 16 last year.

He was with his daughter and grandson at the time of the incident.

South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard today that the crash was captured on dashcam footage and witnesses claimed Stokoe was speeding and was holding a mobile phone when he collided with Miss Stephenson.

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

Prosecutor Chike Anieto said Stokoe was driving his Sur-Ron Light Bee electronic motorcycle at around 14:00 and ‘collided with 86-year-old Gloria Stephenson, who was crossing the road at the pedestrian crossing’.

‘It was a fatal incident and it led to the death of this woman,’ he added.

‘[The incident] This image was reflected in the dashcam footage, which showed that the defendant did not slow down at the crossing and collided with Gloria Stephenson.

‘According to the testimony of eyewitnesses in this case, he was speeding and holding a mobile phone in his hand.

‘The defendant interviewed regarding the case did not make any comments.’

Ms Stephenson was described by her family as a ‘vibrant, active, beautiful and intelligent’ mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who ‘had years left to give’.

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 Sunderland teenager is charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by careless driving while over the drug limit, and causing death by driving without a license or insurance.

He is also accused of not wearing protective headgear while riding a motorcycle and failing to stop after a traffic accident.

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

He covered his face with a scarf while entering and exiting the courthouse.

Due to the serious nature of the offenses 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 ‘saddened to lose our vibrant, active, beautiful and intelligent mother, grandmother, mother-in-law and great-grandmother’.

“The press described her as an ‘old lady’, but we would like to make it clear that our mother was full of life,” the statement said. The statement was included.

‘He was active, fit, healthy and had years left to love her and share her energy and joy of life with everyone who knew her.

‘The family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone who supported the mother, daughter and grandchild at the scene.’