The death of an 89-year-old pedestrian in Gillingham has led to serious criminal charges against two men, following what police describe as a prolonged and distressing hit-and-run incident. Tom Wallace, a retired dental surgeon and long-standing member of the local community, died after being struck by a grey Mercedes estate on the A289 Gads Hill.
Investigators say Tom Wallace was hit on Monday and subsequently carried by the vehicle for nearly a mile before being found critically injured on Grange Road. The circumstances of the crash, the actions alleged to have followed, and the charges now brought before the courts have prompted significant attention from local residents and authorities alike.
Details of the Crash and Police Investigation
Kent Police said the collision occurred on the A289 Gads Hill, a dual carriageway in Gillingham, where Mr Wallace is believed to have been struck by the vehicle. Detectives have stated that after the initial impact, Tom Wallace was carried by the grey Mercedes estate, rather than the vehicle stopping immediately. He was later discovered lying on the ground on Grange Road, almost a mile away from the point where officers believe the collision took place.
Emergency services attended the scene, but Tom Wallace later died from his injuries. The unusual and severe nature of the incident led to an intensive investigation by specialist officers. CCTV footage, forensic vehicle examinations, and witness statements were all reviewed as part of efforts to establish the sequence of events and identify those responsible.
Police confirmed that Albert Matraxhiu, 28, of Orange Hill Road, Edgware, north London, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving. In addition to this principal charge, Matraxhiu faces multiple further allegations, including intention to pervert the course of justice, driving without insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, failure to stop after an accident, and failure to report an accident. These charges reflect police allegations that the driver not only caused the fatal collision but also failed to take required steps afterward.
A second man, Erald Paci, 29, of Five Ways Court, Chatham, has been charged with intention to pervert the course of justice. Police have not released full details of the actions that led to this charge, but it typically relates to allegations of interfering with an investigation, concealing evidence, or assisting another person to evade justice. Both men appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday. Following the hearing, magistrates ordered that Matraxhiu and Paci be remanded in custody.
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They are due to appear next at Maidstone Crown Court on 30 January, where the case is expected to proceed further. Kent Police have emphasized that the investigation remains active and that officers continue to examine all relevant evidence surrounding the fatal collision. The force has also reiterated appeals for any additional witnesses or motorists who may have been in the area at the time to come forward.
Court Proceedings and Additional Criminal Charges
During the course of inquiries linked to the fatal crash, Kent Police confirmed that officers attended a separate address in Dartford. At that location, officers discovered what they described as a cannabis cultivation. A man was arrested at the scene, and the discovery formed part of a wider investigation running alongside the hit-and-run case.
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Ronalt Kamami, 28, of Dale Street, Chatham, was subsequently charged with production of cannabis. He appeared in court earlier in the week and was remanded in custody. His next appearance is scheduled at Maidstone Crown Court on 26 January. Police have stated that this charge is connected to evidence uncovered during the wider inquiry but have not suggested that the offence is directly linked to the fatal collision itself.
The court proceedings involving Matraxhiu, Paci, and Kamami are being handled separately, though all are expected to be heard at Maidstone Crown Court within days of one another. Prosecutors are expected to outline the evidence gathered so far, including forensic findings, vehicle analysis, and any digital or witness material that may be relevant to the charges. Legal experts note that death by dangerous driving is among the most serious motoring offences in the UK and can carry significant prison sentences if proven.
Charges relating to perverting the course of justice also carry severe penalties, reflecting the seriousness with which the justice system treats attempts to interfere with police investigations. At this stage, all defendants are entitled to the presumption of innocence, and the full facts of the case will be tested through the court process. The remand decisions reflect judicial assessments of risk and the gravity of the alleged offences rather than any determination of guilt.
Tributes to Tom Wallace and Community Response
In a statement released through Kent Police, the family of Tom Wallace paid tribute to a man they described as deeply respected and widely loved. They said Mr Wallace “deserved a better end to his life than this,” reflecting the shock and distress caused by the circumstances of his death. The family described Tom Wallace as a devoted husband, married for 63 years, a father of three, a grandfather of four, and a recently proud great-grandfather.
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Beyond his family life, he was remembered for a wide range of personal interests and long-standing community involvement. A qualified dental surgeon, Mr Wallace remained active well into later life, sailing his boat along the east coast of England and across the Channel to France, often single-handed. He was also a bell-ringer at the church on Gillingham Green and dedicated many years to voluntary and charitable work. The family said he served as a Samaritan for many years, raised funds for the NSPCC, and undertook several European cycling tours to support Marie Curie.
These activities, they said, reflected a lifelong commitment to helping others and remaining engaged with the world around him. The family also expressed gratitude to members of the public who attempted to help Mr Wallace after he was found injured on Grange Road. They thanked local residents and a postman who stopped to provide assistance, describing them as compassionate and kind during a distressing situation. Their actions were acknowledged as an important source of comfort to the family amid the tragedy.
News of Mr Wallace’s death has prompted concern among local residents about road safety on the A289 Gads Hill and surrounding areas. Some have described the road as busy and fast-moving, with calls for drivers to exercise greater caution, particularly in areas used by pedestrians. Kent Police have not indicated whether any changes to road layout or signage are being considered, but have reiterated the importance of responsible driving and compliance with road traffic laws.
As the case moves toward Crown Court, attention will focus on the evidence presented by prosecutors and the responses from the defence. For Mr Wallace’s family and the wider community, the legal process represents the next stage in seeking accountability following a fatal incident that has left a lasting impact on those who knew him and those who have followed the case.
The forthcoming court hearings are expected to provide greater clarity on the events of that day, as well as on the actions taken afterward. Until then, Tom Wallace is being remembered for a life marked by professional dedication, charitable service, and strong ties to his community.