Fatal Hit-and-Run in Gillingham: Charges Filed Against Two Men

On December 29, 2025, at approximately 12:10 PM, 89-year-old Tom Wallace was struck by a grey Mercedes estate on the A289 Gads Hill in Gillingham, Kent. The impact resulted in Wallace being carried on the vehicle's roof for nearly a mile before he was found on Grange Road, where he was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses reported that a postman initially mistook Wallace's body for a dummy strapped to the car's roof before realizing the grim reality.

Two men have been charged in connection with the incident. Albert Matraxhiu, 28, from Edgware, North London, faces multiple charges including death by dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and failing to stop or report an accident. Erald Paci, 29, from Chatham, has been charged with perverting the course of justice. Both men, identified as Albanian nationals, appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court and were remanded in custody, with their next court appearance scheduled for Maidstone Crown Court on January 30, 2026.

Two Albanian nationals remanded over fatal hit-and-run that killed pensioner in Gillingham

Wallace's family described him as a "respected and loved member of the community," highlighting his long career as a dental surgeon and his involvement in local charitable activities. They expressed their grief, stating, "He deserved a better end to his life than this." The family thanked the residents and the postman who attempted to assist Wallace after the incident.

Kentish Gazette

Local resident Ralph Belmonte recounted the moment the postman discovered Wallace's body, emphasizing the shock of the event in a typically quiet neighborhood. He noted, "It was distressing. It was surreal; people cannot do things like that." Another witness described seeing two men acting suspiciously near the scene, which raised concerns among residents.

Kentish Gazette

Kent Police have launched a thorough investigation, appealing for witnesses and any dashcam or CCTV footage from the area at the time of the incident. Detective Inspector Zoe Wilczek stated, "We would like to thank all those who have assisted our investigation so far," and urged anyone with information to come forward.

Daily Mail

While the primary details of the incident are consistent across sources, there are discrepancies regarding the timeline of events and the exact location of the initial impact. Some reports suggest Wallace was struck at a pedestrian crossing, while others indicate he was hit near the junction of Gads Hill and Waterside Lane.

Kentish Gazette

The tragic death of Tom Wallace has prompted significant community mourning and raised questions about road safety in Gillingham. As the legal proceedings unfold, the investigation continues to seek further evidence and witness testimonies to ensure justice for Wallace and his family.

Kentish Gazette