A 19-year-old man was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison for killing an 86-year-old great-grandmother in Sunderland [1], [2], [3].
The case highlights growing concerns regarding the use of illegal, high-powered electric bikes on public roads and the risks they pose to pedestrians.
Billy Stokoe, 19 [2], was operating an electric motorbike that was both illegal and defective when he collided with Gloria Stephenson [2], [3]. The incident occurred May 16, 2023 [4], at a zebra crossing on a public road [2], [3].
Investigation into the crash revealed that Stokoe was over the legal cannabis limit at the time of the collision [5]. These factors combined led to a loss of control that resulted in the death of Stephenson [5].
Court proceedings concluded with Stokoe receiving a sentence of six years and nine months [3]. The victim was 86 years old at the time of the accident [1].
Law enforcement said the situation was an accident waiting to happen due to the state of the vehicle and the rider's impairment [5]. The collision took place in a designated pedestrian crossing area, which is intended to provide safety for those on foot [2], [3].
“Billy Stokoe was operating an electric motorbike that was both illegal and defective.”
This sentencing reflects a judicial effort to address the rise of unregulated e-mobility vehicles. By treating the use of an illegal, defective bike combined with drug impairment as a serious criminal offense, the court is signaling that e-bike riders are subject to the same safety and sobriety standards as motorists.
