A teenager has admitted causing the death of an 86-year-old woman after hitting her on an electric bike while speeding and using his mobile phone. Billy Stokoe, 19, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday.
Gloria Stephenson was crossing a zebra crossing in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, last May when she was struck by Stokoe. Dashcam footage showed he did not slow down for the crossing and collided directly with her. Witnesses reported he was speeding and holding his phone at the time.
Mrs Stephenson, a great-grandmother described by her family as 'beautiful, intelligent' and 'full of life', died at the scene. She was walking her daughter's dog and had been doing her daily 10,000 steps. Her daughter and grandson arrived as attempts were made to resuscitate her, but she could not be saved.
The court heard Stokoe had also taken a cannabis compound, which will be considered at sentencing on May 15. The case had been delayed, causing frustration for the family. One of Mrs Stephenson's daughters said: 'We want something positive to come from her death so this does not happen again.'
