Teen e-motorbike killer's sentence appealed against
HandoutThe Attorney General's Office has been urged to review a sentence given to a teenager who knocked down and killed an 86-year-old grandmother while on an illegal e-motorbike which the victim's family say was unduly lenient.
Billy Stokoe had taken cannabis and was using a mobile phone when he hit Gloria Stephenson on a zebra crossing in Sunderland in 2025, and then rode off leaving her dying at the scene.
The 19-year-old was given a sentence of six years and nine months last month, after admitting causing death by dangerous driving.
Stephenson's daughter said Stokoe might only serve half that term in prison: "It could have been anyone on that crossing, and it could happen to anyone again."
Julie Francis, one of the victim's four daughters, told BBC Breakfast the teenager would likely serve half his term in prison and the rest on licence - with the terms of the licence being to "keep out of trouble".
"But that's how we live our lives, isn't it?" she said.
"That's how normal people behave - we obey the law... [so] I don't think that's part of his punishment at all."
Northumbria PoliceFrancis said people around the country were aware of the scourge of youths riding the bikes illegally, and that there were laws in place to prohibit it.
She added: "The law does say it's illegal - the law is there - it's just it's not being enforced.
"And then the judge had an opportunity to send a really strong message and, in our view, he failed to do that."
A CPS spokesperson confirmed an appeal had been initiated under the unduly lenient scheme. The BBC has asked the Attorney General's Office for comment.
Passing the jail term last month, Judge Robert Adams said he had seen evidence of the teenager's regret and sorrow.
The crash happened on Burdon Road on 16 May, as Stephenson walked her dog.
Helen Towers, defending, said Stokoe, who was 18 at the time of the crash, was remorseful and had said: "I will forever be sorry and I don't expect to ever be forgiven.
A psychological assessment found he had an IQ of 66 and the court heard he has ADHD.
At the time, Stephenson's family said they were devastated at the sentence.
Paying tribute to her mother, Francis said: "She was an extraordinary woman. She didn't look her age, she didn't act her age.
Stephenson, who came from Silksworth, in Sunderland, had four daughters and 13 grandchildren.
"She was very fit, healthy, really strong, an independent role model," Francis said.
"And now she's just gone.
"Everyone is devastated."
