Great-Grandad Killed in Shocking Hit-and-Run on A289
Tom Wallace Dies After Being Dragged Along Roof of Car
Dental surgeon and beloved great-grandad Tom Wallace was tragically killed in a hit-and-run on December 29 in Gillingham. The 84-year-old was struck by a Mercedes estate near the junction of Gads Hill and Waterside Lane around 12:10pm. Horrifically, Tom was carried on the car’s roof for almost 1.5 miles before being found gravely injured. Despite the heroic efforts of a passing postman, a nearby resident, and paramedics, Tom was pronounced dead at the scene.
Driver Denies Dangerous Driving but Faces Serious Charges
29-year-old Albert Matraxhiu, from Orange Hill, Edgware, has been charged with dangerous driving causing Tom’s death and faces trial at Maidstone Crown Court. Matraxhiu denies dangerous driving but has admitted a lesser charge of causing death by careless driving. Prosecutor Ryan Richter slammed the lesser charge as “unacceptable,” and Judge Julian Smith agreed, setting a five-day trial starting July 13.
Hit-and-Run Cover-Up Uncovered
Matraxhiu and co-defendant Erald Paci, also 29, from Chatham, admitted perverting the course of justice by abandoning the vehicle and removing its number plates after the crash.
“These two did what they could to escape responsibility and liability. You set to obstruct and obscure the investigation, and you will be punished,” Judge Smith told the courtroom.
Both men remain in custody awaiting trial.
Family Pays Moving Tribute to ‘Respected and Loved’ Tom Wallace
Tom Wallace, a devoted father of three and grandfather of four, was married for 63 years. His family described him as a “devoted family man who loved his family dearly and was loved in return.”
Known locally for sailing up the east coast and Channel crossings to France, Tom was an active bell-ringer at Gillingham Green’s church, a longtime Samaritan volunteer, and passionate fundraiser for charities including NSPCC and Marie Curie through European cycling tours.
The family thanked those who tried to help on the day, calling them “compassionate and kind,” but added, “He was a respected and loved member of the community and deserved a better end to his life than this.”
Judge Smith told the grieving family in court: “The process today will have felt unpleasant and detached. We do not take any of this lightly.”
