A North London man has admitted causing the death of an 89-year-old pedestrian after a shocking incident where the victim was carried on the roof of his car for almost a mile before being discovered deceased. The harrowing case, heard at Maidstone Crown Court, has revealed extraordinary details about the collision and its aftermath.
Fatal Collision on Kent Road
Retired dental surgeon Thomas Wallace was struck by a grey Mercedes estate on the A289 Gads Hill in Gillingham, Kent, shortly after midday on December 29 last year. The impact occurred in a residential area, but the vehicle did not stop at the scene. Instead, it continued driving with Mr Wallace on top of the car for approximately three-quarters of a mile.
Discovery and Immediate Aftermath
Mr Wallace was eventually found on Grange Road in the Medway town, nearly a mile from the initial collision site. Emergency services attended, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Mercedes was located nearby, but the two occupants had already fled. In a deliberate attempt to evade justice, they disposed of their mobile phones, clothing, and the car's number plates.
Court Proceedings and Charges
Both men, identified by police as Albanian nationals, appeared in court on Friday to enter their pleas. Albert Matraxhiu, 29, of Orange Hill Road in Edgware, north London, denied the more serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving. However, he admitted the lesser offence of causing death by careless driving.
Matraxhiu and his co-defendant, Erald Paci, 29, of Five Ways Court in Chatham, Kent, both pleaded guilty to intending to pervert the course of justice following the collision. The pair have been remanded in custody as legal proceedings continue.
Judicial Remarks on Extraordinary Case
Judge Julian Smith highlighted the unusual nature of the incident during the hearing. He specifically referenced the fact that the defendants continued to drive with Mr Wallace on the vehicle's roof for a significant distance. "It is the better part of three-quarters of a mile that the vehicle then continued to drive before Wallace is left on the floor," Judge Smith noted, underscoring the severity of the circumstances.
Upcoming Trial and Additional Charges
Albert Matraxhiu is scheduled to stand trial for the denied charge of causing death by dangerous driving on July 13. A pre-trial review has been set for June 19. Beyond the primary allegations, Matraxhiu faces several additional motoring offences, including:
- Driving without valid insurance
- Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence
- Failure to stop after an accident
- Failure to report an accident
Family Tribute to Victim
In a heartfelt tribute released through Kent Police, Mr Wallace's family expressed their profound grief. Some family members were present in court to witness the proceedings. They revealed that Mr Wallace had recently become a great-grandfather, adding to the tragedy of his loss.
"He was a respected and loved member of the community and deserved a better end to his life than this," the family statement read. The tribute paints a picture of a cherished elderly man whose life was cut short in a deeply distressing manner.
The case continues to develop as the court prepares for the full trial, with the community and authorities closely monitoring the pursuit of justice for Thomas Wallace.
