A man has been charged following a fatal collision involving a pedestrian and an electric motorcycle on the B1286 Burdon Road in Sunderland on Friday, May 16, 2025.

Gloria Stephenson, 86, from the Silksworth area sadly passed away at the scene – and officers from Northumbria Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit continue to support her loved ones.

Billy Stokoe, 19, of Sunderland, has been charged with cause death by dangerous driving, cause death by driving without due care/consideration while over specified limit – specified controlled drug, cause death by driving a vehicle – driver unlicensed, and cause death by driving a vehicle – driver uninsured.

This is in addition to charges made previously in October of drive otherwise than in accordance with a licence, drive with no insurance, drive motor vehicle when proportion of controlled drug above limit, fail to stop after a road accident, and fail to wear protective headgear.

Family’s tribute to Gloria

Stokoe is scheduled to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

Chief Inspector Alan Pitchford, of Northumbria Police, said: “Our thoughts firmly remain with all of Gloria’s family and loved ones, and we will continue to offer them support as the investigation continues.

“We would like to thank the public for their continued support with our enquiries to date, and especially those who reached out with information.

“With charges in this case now live, we would urge everyone to refrain from any speculation both online and in the community that could jeopardise the upcoming criminal proceedings.”