Gloria Stephenson, an 86-year-old grandmother adored by her family and local community, tragically lost her life after being struck by an electric bike ridden by 19-year-old Billy Stokoe. The incident occurred on a Zebra crossing near her home in Newcastle, leaving her family devastated and demanding justice. According to court reports, Stokoe was unable to brake in time because he was holding his mobile phone in his left hand, distracted from the road. After weaving dangerously through traffic, his high-powered e-bike collided with Gloria, killing her instantly before he fled the scene.
Gloria was a widow who had endured the loss of three husbands to cancer, leaving her to raise her children and later cherish the lives of her thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Those who knew her remember a woman of remarkable character and warmth, dedicated not only to her family but also to her local community. She was the kind of person whose resourcefulness and courage often surprised those around her—once, she even managed to scare off fly-tippers by pretending to take their photograph, despite not knowing how to use her phone’s camera properly.
On the day of the tragedy, Gloria had been out walking her daughter’s dog and had plans for an overseas holiday with friends. Her life, full of routine joys and family moments, was violently cut short. Her daughters, Julie Francis and Janine Murphy, described the profound loss, painting a picture of a mother who was endlessly loving, clever, and aspirational. “She was an amazing mum,” Janine said. “She had such a zest for life. It was not her time to go. She still had plans, including a holiday in Lanzarote just three weeks later. People cannot simply drive recklessly, be high, or use their phones and not expect a tragic accident to happen.”
The court proceedings revealed shocking details about Stokoe’s complete disregard for the consequences of his actions. Rather than showing remorse, he requested a change to his bail so he could travel to Wembley to watch Sunderland play in the football play-offs, just ten days after causing Gloria’s death. He even sought permission to go on holiday while her family mourned. “He is just a coward, thinking only of himself,” Julie Francis said. “He left her alone to die like she was nothing, a bit of rubbish in the gutter. We had to attend Crown Court three times before he admitted his guilt, which I find disgusting.”
The family’s grief was compounded by Stokoe’s blatant disregard for the law and community safety. Julie continued: “It wastes public money and police time. There is no consideration for people suffering, no thought for the community. He showed no remorse whatsoever, and that just adds to our trauma and our anger.” Both daughters stressed that justice must be served and called for stricter legal measures to protect pedestrians from dangerous e-bike riders, describing these vehicles as a menace on the streets that terrorise ordinary citizens.
Gloria’s life was defined by determination, intelligence, and devotion. Despite limited financial resources during her upbringing, she pursued work in healthcare, starting as a cleaner at a hospital and progressing to become the domestic services manager for Sunderland Health Authority after completing studies at Newcastle Polytechnic. She treated her grandchildren equally, nurturing them with love and creativity, taking them to caravan trips in Hamsterley Forest, building dens, and instilling in them a sense of adventure and security. “She just loved being with her family, and we loved being with her,” Julie said.
In the aftermath of her death, the family spent days with Gloria’s close relatives in Newcastle, sharing memories, shopping trips, and even cocktails, trying to find some semblance of comfort amid their loss. Yet, they acknowledge that the pain will never fully subside. Janine remarked: “We are not going to get over what happened. We have not been able to grieve properly because we have been holding it back for the court case. Hopefully, with the legal process over, we can finally begin to move forward.”
The verdict at Newcastle Crown Court brought some measure of closure, though it did little to heal the emotional wounds inflicted by Stokoe’s recklessness. The family has called for stricter laws around e-bikes, warning the public of the danger they pose when used irresponsibly. Gloria’s death serves as a chilling reminder of the fragility of life and the catastrophic consequences of momentary lapses in judgment on the roads.
Her daughters’ message is clear: their mother was a life-loving, clever, and devoted woman whose loss is immeasurable. They hope that in sharing her story, others will take heed and act responsibly to prevent further tragedies. The community, shaken by the violent death of a beloved grandmother, continues to mourn a woman who, even in death, leaves a legacy of courage, love, and unwavering commitment to family.
