An Albanian national has admitted his role in a horrific hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of an 89-year-old retired dentist in Kent. The victim, Thomas Wallace, was carried on the roof of a Mercedes estate for nearly a mile before his body was discovered.
Court Proceedings Reveal Shocking Details
Albert Matraxhiu, aged 29, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court where he entered pleas relating to the fatal collision that occurred on December 29 last year. The incident took place in Gillingham, Kent, shortly after midday when Mr Wallace was struck by a grey Mercedes estate.
Matraxhiu, who resides in Edgware, north London, denied the more serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving. However, he did plead guilty to the lesser offence of causing death by careless driving.
Attempt to Evade Justice
Both Matraxhiu and his passenger, 29-year-old Erald Paci from Chatham in Kent, admitted to intending to pervert the course of justice following the collision. The court heard how the pair abandoned the vehicle and disposed of crucial evidence including their mobile phones, clothing, and the car's number plates.
Judge Julian Smith highlighted what he described as the 'extraordinary circumstances' of the case, specifically noting that the defendants continued driving with Mr Wallace on top of the vehicle. '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 remarked during the hearing.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Matraxhiu will face trial for the denied charge of causing death by dangerous driving on July 13, with a pre-trial review scheduled for June 19. In addition to the fatal collision charges, Matraxhiu faces multiple motoring offences including driving without insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, failure to stop after an accident, and failure to report an accident.
Both defendants have been remanded in custody following their court appearance. The case has drawn attention not only due to its tragic nature but also because of the immigration status of those involved.
Immigration Background
The court was informed that both Albanian nationals have pending immigration matters with UK authorities. Paci has previously been deported from the United Kingdom and was awaiting a decision from the Home Office at the time of the incident. Matraxhiu is subject to what has been described as failed immigration status, adding another layer of complexity to the proceedings.
Family Tribute to Respected Community Member
In a heartfelt statement released through Kent Police, Mr Wallace's family paid tribute to the much-loved retired dentist. Some family members were present in court to witness the proceedings, where they heard details of the tragic event that cut short Mr Wallace's life.
'He was a respected and loved member of the community and deserved a better end to his life than this,' the family statement read. They also revealed that Mr Wallace had recently become a great-grandfather, making the loss particularly poignant for multiple generations of his family.
The discovery of Mr Wallace's body on Grange Road in Medway, almost a mile from the initial impact site, has left the local community in shock. As legal proceedings continue, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from careless driving and attempts to evade responsibility.
