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In a heartbreaking turn of events, the family of an 86-year-old woman tragically killed by a teenager riding an illegal e-bike has expressed their discontent with the leniency of the sentence handed down to the young offender. Billy Stokoe, now 19, received a prison term of six years and nine months after admitting to causing death by dangerous driving. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has initiated an appeal against this sentence, claiming it to be unduly lenient.
Fatal Collision on a Zebra Crossing
The incident occurred in Sunderland in May of last year, when Stokoe, who was under the influence of cannabis and distracted by his mobile phone, collided with great-grandmother Gloria Stephenson. At the time of the accident, Ms Stephenson was walking her daughter’s dog and completing her daily goal of 10,000 steps. The e-bike Stokoe was riding also had defective brakes, further exacerbating the dangerous situation.
Witnesses reported seeing Stokoe flee the scene immediately after the collision, leaving Ms Stephenson to suffer in agony. Despite her injuries, she was described as a vibrant, health-conscious individual who maintained an active lifestyle. Her family is now left grappling with the loss of a beloved matriarch.
Family Outrage and Calls for Justice
Following the sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court, Ms Stephenson’s daughter, Julie Francis, publicly condemned the judge’s decision. Appearing on BBC Breakfast, she stated, “The judge had an opportunity to send a really strong message, and in our view, he failed to do that.”
Francis expressed her frustration with the justice system, noting that Stokoe would only serve half of his sentence in custody, with the remainder on licence. “That’s how normal people behave. We obey the law, so I don’t think that’s part of his punishment at all,” she added, highlighting the ongoing issue of illegal e-bike usage among youths across the country.
The family feels that the laws prohibiting such reckless behaviour are not being enforced effectively, contributing to a growing sense of injustice. “The law does say it’s illegal, it’s just it’s not being enforced,” Francis lamented.
Remorse and Psychological Assessments
In court, Judge Robert Adams acknowledged evidence of Stokoe’s remorse, stating that he had shown regret for his actions. Defence attorney Helen Towers conveyed Stokoe’s feelings, noting that he expressed, “I will forever be sorry and I don’t expect to ever be forgiven. I wish more than anything that I could change it all.”
However, a psychological assessment revealed that Stokoe has an IQ of 66 and suffers from ADHD, which may have influenced his decision-making on the day of the incident. While these factors were considered during sentencing, Ms Stephenson’s family argues that they do not diminish the severity of his actions or the need for a more substantial penalty.
The Appeal Process
The CPS has confirmed that they are formally appealing the sentence under the unduly lenient scheme, which allows for legal review in cases where the sentence is deemed insufficient for the crime committed. This process aims to ensure that justice is served adequately and that offenders are held responsible for their actions.
The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications not only for Stokoe but for the broader conversation surrounding road safety and the legality of e-bike usage.
Why it Matters
This tragic case underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of laws governing e-bike usage, particularly among young riders. With the rise in popularity of such vehicles, incidents like this highlight the risks posed to pedestrians and the broader community. The Stephenson family’s fight for justice serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of reckless behaviour and the importance of ensuring that the legal system adequately reflects the severity of such offences. As the CPS moves to challenge the leniency of the sentence, it is hoped that a stronger message will be sent to deter future incidents and protect vulnerable members of society.
