Rider jailed for hit-and-run death in Sunderland

On Friday, May 16 last year, police were alerted to a collision involving a female pedestrian and an electric motorcycle on the B1286 Burdon Road in Sunderland, near Lidcombe Close. Gloria Stephenson, 86, was struck by the rider of a black off-road Sur-Ron Light Bee X electric motorcycle while using a pedestrian crossing with her daughter’s dog.

Emergency services were quickly deployed, and tragically, Gloria passed away at the scene. An investigation was launched by the Force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, with a public appeal for CCTV, dashcam, and witness information.

Billy Stokoe, 18 at the time, handed himself in to Southwick Police Station less than two hours after the incident. Dashcam footage showed him colliding with Gloria at speed before fleeing the scene. Stokoe was also captured on CCTV holding his phone instead of the brake on his handlebars.

Stokoe admitted to causing Gloria’s death by dangerous driving, driving an unlicensed vehicle, and driving uninsured. He was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison, with half to be served in youth detention. He was also handed an eight-year, four-month-and-two-week driving ban, requiring him to sit an extended test in the future.

In victim impact statements, Gloria’s daughters Julie and Lisa spoke of their mother’s resilience and the pain of losing her. Julie described Gloria as “fit and healthy, with years left to live a full and active life,” while Lisa addressed Stokoe directly, describing the horror of seeing her mother struck and the injustice of his actions.

Sergeant Greg Huntley praised Gloria’s loved ones for their composure and patience throughout the proceedings. He highlighted Stokoe’s reckless behavior, including driving an illegal motorcycle while under the influence of cannabis. Huntley emphasized the risks posed by such vehicles, especially when operated illegally by young riders.

“Above all else, I would like to praise Gloria’s many loved ones for the composure and patience they have shown throughout these proceedings,” said Sergeant Huntley. “They have suffered a devastating loss in their close-knit family and have sat in court today as they approach one year without her.”

“While no outcome at court will ever take away the pain of what has happened, I hope the fact that Stokoe is now behind bars offers some form of closure,” added Huntley.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegal and unlicensed electric motorbikes on public roads, especially when operated by young riders.