Tributes have been paid to a retired dental surgeon who died after being struck by a car and carried on its roof for over a mile. The victim, identified as 89-year-old great-grandfather Tom Wallace, was hit on the A289 Gads Hill in Gillingham, Kent, at around 12:10pm on Monday, December 29.
Mr Wallace, a former dental surgeon in the Medway Towns, was found on Grange Road, more than a mile from the collision site. The grey Mercedes estate involved was located nearby, and its two occupants fled on foot, according to Kent Police.
In a statement released through the force, Mr Wallace's family described him as a 'loved member of the community'. They said: 'Tom Wallace, LDS, RCS Eng had been a dental surgeon in the Medway Towns for all his working life. He had been married for 63 years, was a father-of-three, a grandfather-of-four, and recently a great-grandfather. He loved his family dearly and was loved by them in return.'
His family also highlighted his charitable work, including years as a Samaritan, fundraising for the NSPCC, and cycling tours across Europe for Marie Curie. They added: 'He was a respected and loved member of the community and deserved a better end to his life than this.'
Kent Police charged Albert Matraxhiu, 28, of Edgware, north London, with death by dangerous driving, perverting the course of justice, and several driving offences. Erald Paci, 29, of Chatham, Kent, was charged with perverting the course of justice. Both Albanian nationals appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court on Friday, where no pleas were entered. They were remanded in custody until their next hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on January 30.
